K-State QB Avery Johnson Named Pop-Tarts Bowl MVP

By Nick Cohen
Florida Citrus Sports

Kansas State freshman quarterback Avery Johnson was named the Pop-Tarts Bowl Most Valuable Player following his three-touchdown performance in his first career start.

The K-State Wildcats routed the North Carolina State Wolfpack in the Pop-Tarts Bowl, 28-19.

Johnson finished the game with 178 passing yards, two passing touchdowns, 71 rushing yards, and a rushing touchdown.

“The kid is mature beyond his years, and I think a lot of people saw that. North Carolina State has really good players on defense, and they had a hard time catching him, because he just understands angles and how to beat people,” said K-State head coach Chris Klieman.

Before committing to K-State, Johnson was a highly sought-after four-star prospect, ranked No. 99 in his class, as well as the No. 9 overall quarterback. Johnson had scholarship offers from big name schools with historically successful quarterbacks such as the University of Oregon, Florida State University, and Notre Dame.

“I am so happy I chose Kansas State. I am so happy I got to be around these players and these coaches because they truly do care about you, and it really is a brotherhood and it really is a family,” said Johnson. “It is not like that at other places, and I am a hundred percent sure of that.”

The Pop-Tarts Bowl was Johnson’s second time playing in Camping World Stadium in Orlando, as he previously played in the Under Armour All-America Game last year as a senior in high school.

In his final year of high school, Johnson threw for 2,768 yards and 29 touchdowns to only three interceptions. He also ran for 817 yards and rushed for another 15 touchdowns. He even had a 65-yard receiving touchdown on the season.

K-State fans should be excited for what’s to come with Johnson having a full offseason to develop with this offense.