Goal No. 13: EXPECT TO WIN. And truly believe we will.

#13 Chase Johnston

Redshirt Junior | 6-3 | 237 lbs. | Carl Junction, Missouri

Courtesy Kansas State Athletics

• Position: Defensive End
• Previous College: None
• Projection: Third-String
• Status: On Scholarship

Andrew Chase Johnston (b. Sept. 30, 1996) is an athletic and hard-hitting player who has spent time at both linebacker and fullback during his three seasons in Manhattan, but now is transitioning to defensive end while continuing to add support on special teams.

He had one solo tackle for the White team in the 2018 spring game, as well as a solo tackle and a tackle for loss as a starter for the Purple team.

Johnston used the 2015 season to redshirt and develop. It paid off when he earned the program’s Overachiever Award as the top freshman in strength and conditioning.

In 2016, he played in all 13 games on both special teams and at fullback in short-yardage and goal-line situations.

Johnston made six tackles on kickoff coverage, including a season-high two at TCU, and helped the Wildcats to rank sixth nationally in rushing touchdowns. He also was a second-team Academic All-Big 12 performer.

Last season, Johnston again played in all 13 games, primarily on special teams. He tied for second on the squad with six special teams tackles, including a career high-tying two against Charlotte.

A four-year letter-winner for Carl Junction High School under head coach Doug Buckmaster, Johnston helped the Bulldogs to earn an 11-1 record and reach the third round of the Missouri Class 4 playoffs in 2014.

He was regarded as the 39th-best inside linebacker nationally by ESPN and the 47th best by Scout, including the top middle linebacker in the state of Missouri. Rivals had him ranked 15th in Missouri.

Designated a first-team All-Missouri Class 4 linebacker by the state’s coaches, as well as the Missouri media association, Johnston also was named to the American Family Insurance All-USA Missouri Team.

He was named the league’s Defensive Player of the Year, in addition to earning all-league and all-district honors.

Johnston carded 100 tackles, including 18 tackles for loss and seven sacks, as a senior. He also was a first-team all-state honoree in the shot put and lettered three years in basketball.

Johnston’s father, Vince, played wide receiver at Pittsburg State University, while his grandfather, Nelson Toburen, played linebacker at Wichita State University, and later for the 1961 and 1962 NFL Champion Green Bay Packers.