Wildcat Blue Nation
Fansided

Kentucky Football: Can QB Stephen Johnson get the job done?

By Frank Spencer

Oct 8, 2016; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats quarterback Stephen Johnson (15) runs the ball for a touchdown against Vanderbilt Commodores safety LaDarius Wiley (13) in the first quarter at Commonwealth Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 8, 2016; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats quarterback Stephen Johnson (15) runs the ball for a touchdown against Vanderbilt Commodores safety LaDarius Wiley (13) in the first quarter at Commonwealth Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

Stephen Johnson led the Kentucky Football program to it’s first bowl game in 10 years. But, will he be the guy in 2017?

Stephen Johnson is the type of player who is determined to be the best. He has a special look in his eye that gives him the edge. Johnson is the ultimate underdog. He just might be the biggest underdog in the SEC at the quarterback position. Kentucky Football is in familiar territory as the underdog and who better to lead this team than the biggest underdog of them all.

Johnson led Kentucky to a 7-5 record. One of those losses came at the hands of Southern Miss. Drew Barker had the reigns of the team at that time. An unfortunate injury to Barker forced Stephen Johnson into action. In the eyes of most, Johnson has the skill set to be a successful quarterback in the SEC. But to others, his size and arm strength lack that of elite gunslingers. What Johnson does possess is the mentality that he is the best. That’s really what matters in the grand scheme of things.

Can Johnson do it again?

Johnson looks to be the starter for week one. He has the upper hand with Drew Barker still rehabbing from back surgery. Barker is still working on throwing the football which puts him behind the 8-ball so to speak in preparation for the season. Johnson will be entering his senior season after transferring from the College of the Desert. Johnson attended Grambling State University out of high school as a three-star recruit. After a redshirt season, Johnson passed for 723 yards and six touchdowns in his first four games before being sidelined with an ankle injury. The next season, saw Johnson transfer to College of the Desert. There, Johnson thew for over 3,200 yards and was named the offensive player of the year in the Mountain American Conference. All of this led Johnson to Kentucky.

Next: Kentucky Football's top 10 performers of 2016

It’s been a long journey for the 6-foot-2 quarterback from California. He has fought his battle with Tourettes Syndrome and has overcome adversity his whole career. Johnson has shown that he is the best man for the job. With the receivers returning, after the transfer of Jeff Badet, Johnson has weapons to work with on the perimeter. Benny Snell will be sitting in the backfield ready to mow people over. An offensive line, although absent of Jon Toth will also be one of the best in the SEC. The stars are aligning for Johnson to have one of the most successful seasons in over a decade for the Kentucky Football program. He can get it done.

Home/Kentucky football