Can Georgia Tech QB Justin Thomas repeat his 2014 season? - SCACCHoops.com

Can Georgia Tech QB Justin Thomas repeat his 2014 season?

by All Things ACC

Posted: 8/4/2016 1:41:53 PM


Justin Thomas returns in 2016 for his last season as a starter as a redshirt senior, looking to re-invent himself as one of the better players in not only the conference but across the country. 

Thomas made a name for himself during sophomore season in 2014, when he led his offense to wins against all of Georgia Tech's major rivals and almost gained a triumphant win against then-undefeated Florida State in the ACC Championship Game. After that, they went to the Orange Bowl where he crossed the opponent’s end zone three times and was later crowned the game MVP for leading his team to an end season victory. He was hoping to roll that momentum into the upcoming 2015 season, and possibly be in talks for the coveted Heisman Trophy.

But unfortunately, the train took a different course in 2015. Sadly, Thomas couldn’t repeat his nor the teams actions and efforts as they did they year before. He’d lost his supporting cast of skilled position players to graduation and some of his best offensive lineman moved forward to the NFL, so of course he had a huge struggle not only trying to have another “2014” like season but he also always had to cover up for mistakes caused by inexperience on the offense. Not only did the struggles of others effect the offense's performance all together, but it also diminished the level of play we saw from Thomas individually. As mistakes throughout the weekly games, Thomas eventually lost his trust in his teammates. He tried to make up for those errors by keeping the ball when he shouldn't and by throwing dangerous passes into coverage. By trying to do too much himself, Thomas lost touch with the things that he made a name for the year prior.

So what does he have to do better and/or different in 2016? For one, Thomas has to return to his former 2014 self. Secondly, he has to completely avoid the bad habits he developed in 2015. How? Returning to be the leader of the team, telling the players where they messed up and fixing it together, and meshing together. He must lead his teammates around him to develop and learn from last year’s slip ups. Most importantly, it requires Thomas to trust them and make the right decisions. He has to trust and support them, instead of worrying about fumbling or not catching a pass. This also calls for Thomas to read to defenses well and get the ball to whichever player is going to breakdown more effectively.

By making the right decisions and trusting his teammates, Thomas will put the offense in much better position to succeed, leading to much better results on the field.

On the other hand, Thomas hasn’t changed physically. The quarterback still has the elite physical ability that made him a household in 2014. He still has speed and agility. As long as he stays this way, and trust and support is built within to the team, opposing defenses will always have to have a game strategy to contain him, possibly two. Then he could use the extra spotlight to place his teammates in positions to be successful. With all that, there isn’t a player on Georgia Tech’s team that will have more of an impact on the result of the 2016 season than quarterback Justin Thomas.

 

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