feeling like Johnny College

[mia0815]

“[...] He reads Field & Stream on the hopper sometimes when he’s feeling really intellectual.” Brian smiles
proudly at his joke. “When I get to feeling like Johnny College, I sometimes read TV Guide.”

Love May Fail by Matthew Quick

What does feeling like Johnny College mean in this context?
Please help. Thank you.

 

[Copyright]

Johnny College is a way of saying a guy who went to college. Like Billy Banker, Peter Plumber, Joe Six-pack, etc. – made-up names that describe someone. The TV Guide would be very basic reading for someone with a college education, both in terms of subject matter and language.

The usual name, however, is Joe College. I think the author wanted something other than the usual.

 

[mia0815]

Thanks a lot, Copyright!