What K-State offensive coordinator Collin Klein is saying about the QB plan vs. TCU
It remains unclear if the Kansas State football team will go with Will Howard or Avery Johnson as its starting quarterback when the Wildcats host TCU at 6 p.m. on Saturday at Bill Snyder Family Stadium.
But one thing is certain about the game plan.
Fans can expect to see both Howard and Johnson in some capacity, regardless of who ends up taking the first snap.
“We have been repping them both at practice,” K-State offensive coordinator Collin Klein said. “I thought both of them have had a pretty good week. I don’t know who will take the first one. I would expect both of them to obviously play and be a part of it and contribute. We will finish up this last day of prep and have a meeting tomorrow morning and then put an exact plan together.”
Quarterback has been a hot topic in K-State football circles this week.
Howard, a veteran leader who has thrown for 1,310 yards and nine touchdowns this season, has started every game for the Wildcats. But some are ready for the team to pivot to Johnson, a freshman from Maize, after he rushed for 90 yards and a school record five touchdowns during a 38-21 win over Texas Tech last week.
K-State listed both quarterbacks as a potential starter on its depth chart this week. It seems the Wildcats will wait to determine a definitive QB1 for the game, at least publicly.
It’s rare for college football teams to platoon quarterbacks. But Klein thinks that is a good strategy for this squad.
Howard can spark the offense with his arm and deep knowledge of Big 12 defenses. Johnson can lift the offense with his impressive athleticism and his ability to run for big gains.
“The main thing is I think both of those guys are just incredible individuals,” Klein said. “They’re incredible team guys. Even as the game went on last week and we were able to do what we did with some of that quarterback run-game stuff, how they have worked together has been outstanding and very similar to Adrian (Martinez) and Will last year. I think it is a very similar dynamic, as far as their heart for the team and wanting to help each other and ultimately do whatever it takes to win.”
Klein praised Johnson for his ability to “grind” behind closed doors as a freshman and get himself ready to make an impact at such a young age.
He was also complimentary of the way Howard handled things last week when his preference would have been to lead the offense all by himself.
“Both of us were just in a state of, ‘Hey, the team won,’” Klein said. “At the end of the day that is the most important thing that we are all trying to accomplish. He was very happy for Avery. I am sure he probably wanted to play more, but at the end of the day that is not truly what this is about and he exemplifies that.”
Klein remains confident in both quarterbacks.
“Both guys,” Klein said, “will answer the bell when their number is called.”