Georgia football: Andy Johnson was one of the best quarterbacks in UGA history

Former Georgia football great Andy Johnson passed away earlier today at the age of 65 after a long illness.

The conversation of the greatest quarterbacks in Georgia football history usually center around David Greene, Aaron Murray, Eric Zeier, Matthew Stafford and John Rauch. That out leaves dozens of great Bulldog quarterbacks. One such signal-caller that I feel is severely overlooked is Andy Johnson who sadly passed away Wednesday after battling an illness. He was 65 years old.

Today, we judge quarterbacks off of their passing stats. We expect the best QB’s to throw for over 2,000 yards with dozens of touchdowns and a solid touchdown/interception ratio. That wasn’t so much the case decades ago when many powerhouse schools still ran offenses like the veer, wing-T and wishbone. We didn’t have the statistical expectations for QB’s back then.

But one thing we have always judged quarterbacks on is their ability to lead. That transcends all offensive styles. And there’s no doubt that Johnson was a leader at Georgia. For three years, he captained an option-style offense to a 25-9-1 record.

In those three years, he accumulated 1,799 rushing yards, which is still the most for a Georgia quarterback and 17th overall. In 1971, as a sophomore, he rushed for 870 yards, which was the second most in the SEC that year. He also passed for 341 yards and he scored 14 touchdowns. He accounted for 1,098 yards with four scores in 1972, and 1,008 yards and 12 touchdowns in 1973.

But being a leader is more than putting up big numbers. It’s about managing the offense and getting the team in the end zone, not just yourself. And Johnson succeeded at that. Nine of his 25 victories came by less than one score. Very often, Johnson would lead late game drives to seal a Bulldog victory.

That was most evident in Johnson’s senior season on the road versus Tennessee. The Volunteers took a 31-21 lead in the fourth quarter and Johnson led two touchdown drives to win the game. Johnson scored both touchdowns. First, he hit Jimmy Poulos for a short pass to cut the lead to 31-28.

Then, with the offense lined up in the I-formation, Johnson faked the hand-off to the fullback, then faked another hand-off to the halfback. He kept the ball on the outside and scored from eight yards out to win the game. He also sparked one of Larry Munson’s first great calls as Georgia’s play-by-play man; “My God, Georgia beat Tennessee in Knoxville!”

The 1973 season was rough for the Dawgs. But with Johnson’s guidance, they salvaged the year with three-straight wins to finish with a respectable 7-4-1 record. Georgia defeated Auburn 28-14 with Johnson icing the game with a late touchdown, similar to the game-winner against Tennessee. He also led Georgia to a 10-3 win over Georgia Tech and a 17-16 win over Maryland in the Peach Bowl.

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There’s no question about it. Johnson wasn’t the prolific passer that Georgia is known for having now. But he is a Bulldog legend. He’s one of the best rushers in school history. He led three Georgia squads to solid seasons. His highlights are still a joy to watch. The Bulldog Nation is saddened by his death. But we are joyed that such a player was one of us.