Georgia Tech quarterbacks and B-backs coach Bryan Cook has seen and graded all 34 of quarterback Justin Thomas’ career starts. His conclusion about Thomas’ performance — in which he was responsible for 459 yards of total offense and four touchdowns — was similar (if far more informed) to that of most Tech fans.
“Yes, that’s the best I’ve seen him play,” Cook said following the team’s practice.
Cook said he might have graded one game higher than Thomas’ performance against Duke — in which he had runs of 82, 50 and 46 yards and passes of 50, 46 and 40 yards — but taking the overall productivity into account, it was the best.
“I think that’s safe to say,” he said.
Thomas’ previous highs for total offense were his 353-yard game against Wofford in his starting debut in 2014 and 325-yard game against Georgia Southern two games later. His high against a power-conference opponent was his 290-yard game against Virginia Tech in 2014, the game after the Georgia Southern game.
Thomas has been on a roll lately, with three consecutive games with a passing efficiency rating above 200. Under his direction, the Tech offense has averaged 6.8, 8.0 and 9.9 yards per play in the past three games (Pittsburgh, Georgia Southern and Duke).
He was named the Walter Camp national offensive player of the year and the ACC offensive back of the week.
“It feels good,” Thomas said. “But I don’t feel any different. I’ve still got to go out there and do what I’m supposed to.”
Tech will play North Carolina at 12:30 p.m. Saturday.
“I think after that game, he feels encouraged by that and hopefully wants to do that about four more times in November and once more after that,” he said.
