Justin Thomas looks to continue big impact on Georgia Tech
ATLANTA -- Observers would have to go back some time to find a quarterback who has had the same impact that Justin Thomas has had on the Georgia Tech program. And that quarterback probably should have won the Heisman Trophy.
And while it’s premature to compare Thomas to the legendary Joe Hamilton, it’s not a stretch to understand what the Prattville, Alabama, native means to the program. He fits head coach Paul Johnson’s spread option offense better than any of his predecessors and doesn’t limit the calls that Johnson can make.
“He has a great skill set,” Johnson said. “I think he’d be a really good quarterback in any system, but his skill set really fits what we like to do.”
It only took seven years for Johnson to locate his ideal quarterback. Joshua Nesbitt was a tough, gritty player who never quit but had limited passing skills. Tevin Washington knew the offense and could make the reads but didn’t have the arm or the quickness needed. Vad Lee, a talented four-star recruit, had a great arm but never did adjust to the option and transferred to a smaller program.
Thomas got his chance last year and seized the opportunity. His decision to pass up a scholarship offer from Alabama to go to Georgia Tech and play quarterback now makes all the sense in the world.
“He’s got great quickness,” Johnson said. “He’s really fast. He’s got a quick release. I think the more he plays, the better he’s going to get.”
Thomas was named to the Davey O’Brien Award and Maxwell Award watch lists. He was chosen first-team All-ACC by Phil Steele and was voted second team (behind Clemson’s Deshaun Watson) by the ACC media.
Last year, Thomas rushed for 1,086 yards, fourth among FBS quarterbacks and second in the ACC. He was one of five FBS quarterbacks to rush for 1,000 yards, and he had five 100-yard games. He ran for three touchdowns in the Orange Bowl and was named the game’s MVP.
Even more telling was his ability to produce points. Georgia Tech scored on its first possession in 10 of 14 games last season. The Yellow Jackets went three-and-out on just 7.9 percent of their possessions, by far the best in FBS.
Some of the success comes from his athleticism. He’s very quick, knows how to escape and understands how to keep a play alive. He impressed Mississippi State head coach Dan Mullen with those skills in the Orange Bowl.
“What made him danger ous, not really just the throws, his extending of plays,” Mullen said. “Taking a negative play and even making it a neutral play, scrambling out of the pocket and throwing the ball away. Instead of having a negative play and a sack, he got them back on a neutral play.”
But the mental part of Thomas’ game is underrated.
“Once we’re on the field, we’re on the same page,” Thomas said of his relationship with his head coach. “He calls a play. I understand why he’s calling it. He sees something in the defense. As long as we can stay on the same page, as we have been, I think it can keep us going in the right direction on the offensive side.”
Thomas had nine 100-yard passing games last season. He wound up throwing for 1,719 yards and 18 touchdowns. The team converted 46 percent of its third downs and 55 percent of it fourth downs. The Yellow Jackets fumbled only 20 times, and Thomas threw just six interceptions.
“We have a lot of confidence in Justin,” Johnson said. “I think the whole team does. We’re really excited about the type of season that he may have. So just really glad he’s on our team. I think he brings a different dimension to the game.”
This story was originally published August 29, 2015 at 10:15 AM with the headline "Justin Thomas looks to continue big impact on Georgia Tech ."