After underperforming on 2023 and finishing last in the AFC West with a 5-12 record, the Los Angeles Chargers moved on from their head coach in Brandon Staley and decided to bring a National Champion into the mix with the signing of Jim Harbaugh last week.
Harbaugh has had the chance to meet some of the new faces including Derwin James and Justin Herbert, but this rookie wide receiver had positive things to say about the Chargers newest head coach despite the rough start to his career.
Rookie WR Quentin Johnston Underperformed in 2023 for the Los Angeles Chargers
Quentin Johnson, who was selected by the Chargers 21st overall in this year’s draft did not live up to his potential in his rookie season. The star out of TCU finished his 2023 campaign catching 38 passes for 431 yards and 2 touchdowns, which is a significant drop compared to some of his rookie classmates. Johnson was the 2nd wide receiver taken off the board in this year’s draft.
The 2023 Wide Receiver Class Exceeded Expectations This Season
Puka Nacua shares a moment with his family after breaking the NFL rookie receiving record 🥲💙 pic.twitter.com/WAbTZX9pSJ
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) January 7, 2024
Outside of Johnston, this year’s rookie class of wide receivers had at least 9 players with productive roles in their respected franchises. Puka Nacua, who was selected in the 5th round broke the record for most receptions and yards by a rookie wide receiver catching 105 passes for 1,486 yards. This was a record that has not been touched in 64 years until this season.
Zay Flowers, Tank Dell, Jordan Addison, Josh Downs, Jayden Reed and Rashee Rice were also rookies who played integral parts of their teams’ success. Each of these rookies including Nacua had at least 700 yards receiving this season.
Johnston Believes He Can “Breakout” Under Head Coach Jim Harbaugh
Despite the rough season for Johnston and Los Angeles this season, the Chargers are looking to re-brand their culture under Head Coach Jim Harbaugh, who just won a National Championship as the Head Coach of Michigan. Johnston acknowledged his struggles this season, but believes he can break out under the new system Harbaugh plans to bring.
I didn’t really get a chance to show who I really was and what type of player I am, but I still got a world of confidence in myself even if nobody doesn’t. And so, you know, going into this next season, I can’t wait. Like I said, I feel like I’m due for a breakout, so I’m very excited for that.
Even though Johnston did not have the rookie campaign his draft selection pressured him to be, the 23-year-old college standout still has confidence in his abilities and has next season to prove the doubters wrong with Harbaugh in the mix.
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