From The Couch – Avery Johnson Commits, Big 12 Football Preseason Predictions
The big news of the week is four-star stud quarterback Avery Johnson committed to K-State on Tuesday. His commitment was broadcast live on CBS Sports’ website. I don’t recall such a high-profile commitment or announcement involving K-State, but this was neat to see. If K-State can continue to be successful recruiting at this level, exciting times are ahead for the program.
In other news, Big 12 football preseason predictions are starting to be released by various publications and K-State is predicted to finish in the middle-of-the-pack in the Big 12. Before we get into that, let’s take a look back at the Johnson commitment.
JM: According to 247Sports, this is the first time since 2007 that K-State has had two four-star players in the same recruiting class. According to Rivals, it is the first time since 2015. Avery Johnson and running back Dylan Edwards sit at the top of the 2023 recruiting class so far, but the Wildcats aren’t done. There may be a couple more great players coming. Josh Manning and Ja’Kobi Lane, both four-star players, are on the radar and may commit soon.
JM: Johnson is very athletic and can make some throws on the run. He probably needs to work on his accuracy, but hopefully that comes with more practice. Here’s one highlight clip I found…
JM: Lost in the big news of the Avery Johnson commitment, three-star running back Joe Jackson from Florida committed to K-State this week. He chose K-State over Duke and Rutgers along with a host of non-Power 5 schools.
JM: Adding more depth in the running back room is never a bad thing.
JM: College Football Focus ranked K-State at number 23 in their preseason poll. It’s nice to see some national writers recognizing K-State again. The Big 12 released their preseason media poll and they have the Wildcats ranked fifth going into the 2022 season.
JM: Looks about right to me, although I’d have K-State above Texas.
“Looking for a sleeper in the Big 12 title race? This is the team to watch. The Wildcats are led by all-purpose running back Deuce Vaughn, and Nebraska transfer Adrian Martinez is slated to join him at quarterback in a backfield that wonβt be easy for Big 12 defenses to contain. Martinez needs to be more careful with the ball (30 INTs in four years at Nebraska), but new offensive coordinator Collin Klein should maximize his strengths. Cooper Beebe is an underrated standout on the left side of the line and should be a preseason All-American after starting all 13 games for the βCats last fall. Only one other returning starter joins Beebe up front, so Klein will have to do some retooling here. A stingy defense (5.4 yards per play allowed and 21 points a game) brings back five starters and plenty of other players with experience. End Felix Anudike-Uzomah (11 sacks) is the headliner up front. Restocking the secondary is likely the biggest concern for coordinator Joe Klanderman.”…Athlon Sports, June 10, 2022
JM: I agree with this write-up by Athlon’s, who has K-State ranked fifth in the Big 12 along with the Big 12 media.
JM: I’m not familiar with the Kelley Ford ratings, but nonetheless it was interesting watching the rolling graphic that he put together. K-State climbs to number two on the list in 2002. Bill Snyder had things running pretty good around the turn of the century!
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