Washington State Football: Conner Johnson Switches From QB to WR

Sep 14, 2012; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Washington State Cougars wide receiver Isiah Myers (88) runs after making a catch while getting a block from wide receiver Brett Bartolone (19) as UNLV Rebels defensive back Kenneth Penny (17) defends during the third quarter at Sam Boyd Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Redshirt freshman Conner Johnson has switched over from quarterback to wide receiver this week being a big addition to the receiving core.

The quarterback position is deep with players that all have the ability to step up and deliver when called upon. Quarterbacks Connor Halliday and Austin Apodaca look to split time this season under center and Jesse Brown being there to help if needed. With Tyler Bruggman coming in in the fall and 2014 commit Peyton Bender coming in the following year the position is going to be deep.

The receiving core the past month has seen a few changes. Mansel Simmons the tallest receiver in the group at 6-4 announced earlier yesterday that his football career is over due to injuries sustained in a confrontation with University of Idaho football players last month. Bennett Bontemps switched over from receiver to defensive back to see more playing time. And now Johnson switching to join the already 14 player deep receiving group.

Johnson will be a huge addition to the group when it comes to size. At 6-5 220 pounds Johnson will be the tallest receiver on the team with the second tallest receiver on the team being 6-3. Johnson knows the playbook and team already after redshirting this past season and with a few months of coaching I see him coming in and adding the height factor to the team and making a difference as soon as possible.

Washington State head coach Mike Leach has been going after size since arriving in Pullman last season. Leach was excited about using TE Andrei Lintz (6-5, 250) who graduated this past year before he was slowed due to an injury and has been excited about using Vince Mayle (6-3 220) this upcoming season. Look for Leach to utilize Johnson’s height and size as much as possible next season.

Washington State has 11 receivers on the spring roster with 3 more coming in in the fall. None of the receivers are seniors this upcoming season.