I got the chance to see Maize (KS) dual-threat QB Avery Johnson up close this morning. The 2023 prospect has begun making regular trips to KC to train with noted QB coach Justin Hoover to gear up for the Elite 11 qualifier and summer camp circuit.
Johnson turned 16 in November, and he is a legit 6-foot-2. He’s a thin frame with long arms and legs, but has the potential to add both height and weight over the next few years. Johnson may be a multi-sport athlete that makes plays with his legs, but he is a legit passer. He’s got a strong arm, but it’s his accuracy that stood out to me. He already places the ball extremely well for a kid his age, and he’s only going to get better.
Johnson is clearly confident in his abilities, but he’s receptive to coaching, and listened closely to everything Hoover said to him. He was very focused and precise in his movements and footwork. He’s obviously blessed with quick feet, but he’s extremely light on them. He’s always on the ball of each foot, pawing the ground in a way that barely makes any sound at all. I know that’s an unusual comment about a QB, but I’ve never seen a kid who was so quick and light on his feet at the same time.
Johnson is obviously very early in the process, and he added an SEC offer from Arkansas yesterday. His offer list will continue to grow. Whoever KU hires as their head coach will surely be in contact with Johnson in their first few days on the job. I said it on Twitter he has the potential to be the best Sunflower State prospect at his position since Kerry Meier, and I believe that. A lot can happen in two years, but from what I saw today, he’s got a chance to be special.
Johnson turned 16 in November, and he is a legit 6-foot-2. He’s a thin frame with long arms and legs, but has the potential to add both height and weight over the next few years. Johnson may be a multi-sport athlete that makes plays with his legs, but he is a legit passer. He’s got a strong arm, but it’s his accuracy that stood out to me. He already places the ball extremely well for a kid his age, and he’s only going to get better.
Johnson is clearly confident in his abilities, but he’s receptive to coaching, and listened closely to everything Hoover said to him. He was very focused and precise in his movements and footwork. He’s obviously blessed with quick feet, but he’s extremely light on them. He’s always on the ball of each foot, pawing the ground in a way that barely makes any sound at all. I know that’s an unusual comment about a QB, but I’ve never seen a kid who was so quick and light on his feet at the same time.
Johnson is obviously very early in the process, and he added an SEC offer from Arkansas yesterday. His offer list will continue to grow. Whoever KU hires as their head coach will surely be in contact with Johnson in their first few days on the job. I said it on Twitter he has the potential to be the best Sunflower State prospect at his position since Kerry Meier, and I believe that. A lot can happen in two years, but from what I saw today, he’s got a chance to be special.
