‘This is home to me’: Why Avery Johnson never thought about transferring from K-State

Chris Klieman has gone out of his way to praise Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson over the past few weeks, even though he hasn’t thrown a touchdown pass since the regular season came to an end in late November.

Now we know the reason why.

On Tuesday, while speaking at a news conference ahead of Thursday’s Rate Bowl in Phoenix, Klieman said Johnson was instrumental in keeping “the core of our team” and “the guys that were our best playmakers” on the K-State football roster instead of in the transfer portal.

“When that kid says he’s staying, everybody kind of rallies around him,” Klieman said. “That’s why I’m so excited for him, finishing up his sophomore year.

“He’s been here for two years and he’s had 13 starts. His best football is in front of him, and I’m excited for us both on Thursday and for us in the future.”

Johnson showed his potential this season as he took control of the offense after Will Howard transferred to Ohio State.

The sophomore from Wichita threw for 2,517 yards and 22 touchdowns while also rushing for 548 yards and six touchdowns. If he throws for three touchdowns against Rutgers on Thursday at Chase Field he will set a new K-State record for touchdown passes in a single season.

His ceiling remains high, even though he only led K-State to eight wins this year.

Johnson could have been a hot commodity on the transfer market. But he never thought about exploring his options elsewhere.

He is all-in with the Wildcats.

“This is home to me,” Johnson said. “I think it just has to go to fan support. These people at Kansas State, the fans, they care about me and they believe in me. They really rally around guys.”

Johnson also thinks he has more work to do in a purple uniform.

“Being a Kansas kid, I feel like there is still stuff to prove here at Kansas State,” Johnson said. “I think we can be a really talented team and Big 12 champions. I think in the future we can play for a Big 12 championship and win it and then play in the college football playoff. There is just a lot of unfinished business.”

Klieman thinks K-State can reach its goals next season with players like wide receiver Jayce Brown, running back Dylan Edwards and several returning starters returning on the offensive line.

“There’s a lot of really good pieces there,” Klieman said. “We’ll fill in some other spots. But the core of that offense, I’m excited about coming back.”

When Johnson was a four-star recruit coming out of Maize High he chose K-State over heavy interest from Oregon and Washington.

Last year, after the Wildcats defeated North Carolina State at the Pop-Tarts Bowl, he said he knew he picked the right college. He still feels that way today.

“This is just the place I really wanted to be,” Klieman said. “I don’t know how to put it into words, but I didn’t want to be anywhere else.”