K-State opts to use both Howard, Johnson at QB

Oct 17, 2023, 05:58 PM ET

KANSAS CITY, Mo.– Kansas State coach Chris Klieman prepares to utilize both veteran Will Howard and Avery Johnson at quarterback moving forward after the freshman standout came on versus Texas Tech last weekend and matched a school record with 5 touchdown runs.The Wildcats were struggling to move the ball versus the Red Raiders with Howard, who replaced the injured Adrian Martinez last season and led them to the Big 12 championship. But when Johnson entered the game, the dual-threat quarterback stimulated Kansas State, which wound up conquering a third-quarter deficit for a 38-21 victory. “What we gained from this previous

Saturday is that we have actually seen Will play at a really high level and be successful, and then we saw Avery dip into a high level and achieve success,” Klieman stated Tuesday. “So we feel comfy with both guys.”Howard, who has begun the first six games for the Wildcats(4-2, 2-1 Huge 12), has actually struggled sometimes this season. He has actually thrown for 1,310 yards with 9 goal passes and seven interceptions. That consists of three choices two weeks earlier at Oklahoma State, when the senior quarterback was just 15-of-34 for 152 lawns and a goal in the 29-21 loss.That defeat, combined with a loss to Missouri in which Howard likewise struggled, left the Wildcats in a difficult position in the Big 12 race. They face TCU on Saturday night in a rematch of in 2015’s conference title game, then play Big 12 newcomer Houston before a face-off with third-ranked Texas that might assist choose who plays for this year’s title.Kansas State noted both Howard and Johnson as a starter versus the Horned Frogs (4-3, 2-2), however Klieman said there will be no decision on the

amount of playing time each will receive until the game plan is finalized later on in the week. “If you thought it would be a 60-40, 50-50 or a 90-10 split, we have no idea,” Klieman said.”We’re going to go through the strategy and see who, where and what offers us the best chance.”Johnson, known for his blazing speed, had 13 carries for 90 lawns Saturday, but he likewise was 8-of-9 for 77 yards through the air against the Red Raiders. In general, he is 11-of-13 for 132 backyards this season, including playing time versus Southeast Missouri State and Missouri.”We saw the speed quickly, out there running in the summer season,”pass receiver Jadon Jackson stated. “‘ This kid can roll. ‘And we entered into fall camp and it was like,’OK, he can throw too.’He’s something unique.

“Johnson got a get on his college career last fall, when he helped lead Maize High School to a second straight Kansas state title before graduating early. That permitted him to enroll at Kansas State at the term mark and take part in spring ball.