Avery Johnson transfer portal prospects: 5 possible options for the sophomore QB
Even though Avery Johnson had his ups and downs, the quarterback quashed all doubts after he became a full-time starter in September. Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 191 pounds, you can’t help but draw comparisons to Johnny Manziel, especially with his ability to be a dual threat. If and when the youngster decides to switch teams, there will be a number of squads who will look to have his talent.
Dan Rubenstein, host of "The Solid Verbal" podcast, had this to say about Johnson, a few months ago:
"Look, he's not Johnny Football, but here's why new Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson could be close," Rubenstein said. "He's about 6-2, 190, a true dual threat, ball jumps out of his right hand. He's got some improvised wiggle on the ground. He's got that burst. I'm not saying. I'm just saying."
It has been great for the Kansas State sophomore QB in terms of the stat sheet, averaging 209.8 yards per game and throwing 18 touchdowns and eight interceptions, since he was named the starter. He showed off his running prowess as well, rushing for a further six touchdowns while averaging 45.7 yards per game.
However, the team record has been a mixed bag. He won five of his first six games as a starter but lost three of his last four and the Wildcats finished in eighth place in the Big 12 with an 8-4 record (5-4 in conference play).
Johnson will have plenty of suitors if he does decide to enter the transfer portal, and we’ll break down some options on where he could end up.
#1. Kansas State Wildcats
This is a safe option. Chris Klieman can clean up and coach some of the inconsistencies on his quarterback, especially on his 59.1% completion percentage. Johnson will be a good option for them to explore.
#2. Texas A&M Aggies
This can also make sense for Johnson. The offensive coordinator, Collin Klein, won a Big 12 championship with Kansas State as an offensive coordinator and was also his OC for his brief stints of play as a freshman. Texas A&M might target him.
#3. Miami Hurricanes
Avery Johnson combined with the offensive firepower of the Miami Hurricanes? Imagine the scores they will be putting up if this becomes a reality. Johnson can fit in nicely on Cam Ward’s slot next season, and the ACC-leading offense that averages 44.2 points per game will not miss a beat.
#4. Mississippi Rebels
Ole Miss can certainly look Avery Johnson’s way, especially with reports that their targets, Arch Manning and Deuce Knight, are looking like they will not be joining them next year. Manning looks like he will be staying at Texas, while Knight has committed to Auburn, although recent reports have come out that Ole Miss is making a last-ditch effort to pry him away from their SEC rival.
The team will be on the market for a new quarterback with Jaxson Dart leaving after this season and no clear successors in the current QB room. Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin certainly has the offensive prowess to utilize Johnson’s talents and the recruiting prowess to boot.
#5. Kansas Jayhawks
Avery Johnson is from Witchita, Kansas, so he does not have to be far from home, and he would provide this offense a much-needed spark. Devin Neal has kept it decent despite relatively mediocre quarterback play. He has rushed for more touchdowns (16) than their quarterbacks have thrown passing touchdowns (15) this season.
With Neal looking to enter the NFL draft next year, they will need a new anchor to this team’s rather anemic offense. Johnson may be the dual threat that Lance Leipold needs.