NFL News NFL News, Reports and Updates
MANHATTAN — Of all the things on Kansas State football coach Chris Klieman’s plate leading up to this week’s season opener, the least of his concerns is his starting quarterback.
The fact that Avery Johnson is a sophomore beginning his first season as the unquestioned QB1, there are bound to be some nerves, right? The hype and the expectations have been there from the time he stepped on campus, and only intensified after he helped lead the Wildcats to a Pop-Tarts Bowl victory last December.
So, when K-State plays host to Tennessee-Martin at 6 p.m. Saturday at Bill Snyder Family Stadium, just what is Klieman’s plan for helping Johnson through those early moments? Simple, really.
“I know Avery, I’m not worried about how I manage things,” Klieman said. “Cut the kid loose; let him play. The kid’s really good, and so I’m not managing anything.”
That’s fine with Johnson, who for all the excitement surrounding his arrival last year from Maize High School, is as confident in his ability as they come. He doesn’t have time for nerves.
Related: Our four bold predictions for Kansas State football heading into the 2024 season
Related: Kansas State football quarterback Avery Johnson is ready to lead the Wildcats’ offense
Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson (2) celebrates his most valuable player honors with the Pop-Tarts Bowl mascot at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Fla.
“No, just based on the fact that I prepared for this moment my whole life, and if I wasn’t prepared, then where would probably be some nerves there,” Johnson said. “But I’m just super blessed to be able to go out there and be able to play the game that I love and be able to play at a school like Kansas State where the fans have so much support.
“So, I don’t feel like there’s any pressure to go out. I’ve just got to go out there and do what I’ve been doing my whole…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/kansas-state-football-qb-avery-221848243.html
Author : The Topeka Capital-Journal
Publish date : 2024-08-26 22:18:48
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.
