Quentin Johnston says 'I'm due for a breakout' under Jim Harbaugh

Quentin Johnston says ‘I’m due for a breakout’ under Jim Harbaugh،

Kris Rhim, ESPNJanuary 31, 2024, 9:41 p.m.

LOS ANGELES — Since Jim Harbaugh accepted the Los Angeles Chargers head coaching job last week, he has reached out to several players, including Quentin Johnston, whom Harbaugh faced two years ago as the Chargers' coach. Michigan in the College Football Playoff Semifinal.

Johnston and TCU won that game against Michigan, 51-45, with the star receiver hauling in six catches for 163 yards and a touchdown. Harbaugh will enter a loaded TCU locker room that includes Johnston, receiver Derius Davis and quarterback Max Duggan, all of whom were part of the Horned Frogs team that beat Harbaugh's Wolverines.

Harbaugh joked about that during his first interaction with Johnston, before telling the rookie of his excitement about coaching him this season.

“His past experience with the 49ers and then his college days, I have no doubt in my mind that he can do it again with this team at this level,” said Johnston, the Chargers' first-round draft pick. in 2023. “So we have a world of trust with him. I've exchanged text messages with some players and we're very excited to get back to work.”

Harbaugh, who will hold his introductory news conference Thursday, coached the 49ers from 2011 to 2014, when his teams won three conference championships and a Super Bowl. Under Harbaugh, receiver Michael Crabtree had some of his best seasons, including career highs of 1,105 yards and nine touchdowns in 2012.

The Chargers selected Johnston with the No. 21 pick last year. He showed flashes of potential that made him a top pick, such as a 51-yard reception in a loss to the Denver Broncos in Week 14, but Johnston's season was more bad than good as he had difficulty with falls (3). He finished with 38 catches for 431 yards and two touchdowns.

Johnston acknowledged his struggles but is confident he can turn things around with Harbaugh.

“I didn't really get a chance to show who I really was and what type of player I am, but I still have a lot of confidence in myself even if no one does,” Johnston told ESPN . “And so, you know, for next season, I can't wait. Like I said, I feel like I'm going to have a breakout, so I'm very excited for that.”