Matt Wells observing Avery Johnson’s growth through spring ball
Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson drops back to attempt a pass during the first quarter against Oklahoma State Saturday September 28, 2024 at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. (Lynn Harrington/stayaliveinpower5)
MANHATTAN, Kan. — After breaking Kansas State’s single-season record for touchdown passes last year, the quarterback is raising several eyebrows throughout spring practice, including his Offensive Coordinator’s.
Matt Wells knew what he had in his arsenal when Coach Chris Klieman promoted him to the primary play-caller this past February. After all, Avery Johnson checks all of the boxes when it comes to being a high-caliber gunslinger in the Big 12. Everyone knows about Johnson’s blazing speed, but what they’re going to soon find out is the improvement of his accuracy, and overall knowledge of Well’s playbook.
Wells is installing special packages for Avery, and he’s executing everything at a high rate. Which is why Wells feels the sky’s the limit for Johnson this fall.
“The more Avery grows, learns and develops, the more we do, and man I’ve been so proud of him for the last four months,” Wells said. “He has grown, his leadership, his maturity, his knowledge, including football knowledge and specific knowledge of the new system, but he’s been awesome the past few months.”
Wells knows a thing or two about improvement when it comes to signal-callers. He even coached Jordan Love at Utah State, and watched him blossom into a first-round draft pick for the Green Bay Packers. There’s no denying that Johnson must improve his quarterback rating, after finishing 62nd nationally in passing efficiency, and 91st in completion percentage. Some of it requires going back to the basics in Well’s eyes.
“Specific things that we’re working on, whether it’s pocket movement, his presence in the pocket, his footwork, base, a deep ball, I think those are things that come to mind right now,’ he said. “I think there’s also leadership component that I’ve seen grow in him naturally over the past year.”
Wells can see similarities between Johnson and Love too, like throwing on the run, and being overall team leaders. Johnson has some weapons at his disposal, including explosive rusher Dylan Edwards. The running back averaged a jaw-dropping 7.4 yards per carry, and had two touchdown receptions out of the backfield last season.
Wideout Jayce Brown led the Wildcats in receptions, receiving yards and tied for first on the team in touchdown catches. Tight end Garrett Oakley is an All-Big 12 performer, who hauled in five touchdown passes. Not to mention the big boys up front are mean, physical and led by All-Big 12 center Sam Hecht.
Wells is loving the speed Kansas State’s offense has at the skill positions, and is confident that his unit has a high ceiling for 2025. He also believes that Johnson is just cracking the surface on his potential after a full season of starting at quarterback.
“The nine months of him gaining weight, he’s right at 200, he’s gotten bigger, he’s gotten faster, yes he’s literally gotten faster,” the Oklahoma native said. “He’s holding it well, and I think he’ll gain some more over the summer and start camp the heaviest he’s ever been, but he’ll also start camp the fastest he’s ever been too.”
The Wildcats have had three different Offensive Coordinator over the past three seasons with Collin Klein, Conor Riley and Wells. However, this will be the most talent on offense Klieman has as he approaches his seventh season in Manhattan, and that’s why Wells feels the best is yet to come.
If Johnson can correct the mistakes that he made in losses to BYU and Arizona State, and Wells can adjust on the fly when the offense goes through adversity, than Kansas State is going to be tough to stop on offense.
