DEL.ICIO.USTech’s Demaryius Thomas will be a factor against UGA
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Consider Demaryius Thomas an X-factor Saturday.
Georgia Tech’s top receiver has shown the ability to dominate, catching nine balls for 230 yards in one game, but he has caught one or two passes in five others.
Bob Andres/bandres@ajc.com
Demaryius Thomas, Tech’s top receiver, is averaging 16.5 yards on 35 catches.
Thomas has made spectacular game-saving grabs but also dropped two touchdowns.
In two games, he lined up on the offensive line to shore up the blocking. On the first play from scrimmage against Miami, he threw a 22-yard completion on a trick play.
Downfield blocking probably has been Thomas’ most consistent contribution.
The 6-foot-3 sophomore doesn’t mind his unpredictable role in the option-based offense, even if he’d love to catch more balls.
“It really doesn’t matter,” he said. “Our running game has been going well and I just want to win. I think this week I have a chance [to make big plays], but we’ll just have to see.”
Coach Paul Johnson never enters a game trying to get Thomas a certain number of catches.
“We’ll let it unfold and see how it goes,” Johnson said. “Good players, plays come to them.”
But the coach wants Thomas to have a big role, noting the speed and versatility he packs on a “230-plus” pound frame.
Thomas torched Duke for 230 receiving yards, the second highest total in school history.
In the 21-17 win at Clemson, he redeemed himself for a fourth-quarter drop in the end zone. Thomas made a diving 23-yard grab to convert third-and-14, then zoomed by a cornerback for the game-winning 24-yard touchdown catch.
Thomas is averaging 16.5 yards on 35 catches. His three touchdowns include an 88-yarder against Duke.
Patience has been an asset.
“Wait, wait and sooner or later I’ll get a big play and it will go from there,” he said. “I just want to get the win, especially against them.”
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