Pete Thamel Reveals Anthony Richardson Comparison For Top Big 12 Quarterback

When discussing Kansas State ahead of the 2024 college football season, ESPN's Pete Thamel revealed to Rece Davis a very lofty comparison for Wildcat QB Avery Johnson.

The two are certified Johnson fans, with Davis saying he could be the key to great success at KSU this fall.

"The reason to believe is your man crush of the year," he joked.

Thamel admitted he does love the new QB1 in Manhattan.

"He might be my man crush," he said of Johnson. "Yeah, I like a good mullet. You got to give me a good mullet flapping in the breeze as he sprints out."

The mullet is pretty unique among college football quarterbacks, but Thamel says one source told him that Johnson is extremely similar to a recent top-five NFL draft pick.

"I had a scout see him at some point last year and say: 'He's Anthony Richardson,'" Thamel said. "I was like 'Huh' and he's like 'He's Anthony Richardson.' I was like, 'Wow, you know, that's a that's a bold call for a backup K-State quarterback.'"

But there's plenty of internal confidence. Thamel remembers Chris Klieman told him at Big 12 Media Days that the moment Will Howard decided to transfer, he knew he had his future starter in Johnson.

"They knew what they had," added Thamel. "He could be a folk hero, Rece. Local kid from Wichita, yeah. I just think there's a ton of talent there."

If Johnson can pan out even close to a guy like Anthony Richardson, he could put up some monster numbers even in year one. If he lives up to the billing, Kansas State will be a major player in the Big 12 this season.

Related: Joel Klatt Makes 2024 Big 12 Football Championship Prediction

Related: Joel Klatt Declares Which Big 12 Program Has 'Toughest Place To Play'