Justin Thomas named to Maxwell watch list

Georgia Tech quarterback Justin Thomas (5) pitches the ball during the spring game at Bobby Dodd Stadium Saturday, April 23, 2016. BRANDEN CAMP/SPECIAL

Georgia Tech quarterback Justin Thomas (5) pitches the ball during the spring game at Bobby Dodd Stadium Saturday, April 23, 2016. BRANDEN CAMP/SPECIAL

Georgia Tech quarterback Justin Thomas is one of 90 players on the preseason watch list for the Maxwell Award, given to the college player of the year.

Thomas is one of 15 players from the ACC. He is entering his third season as the starting quarterback for the Yellow Jackets and was an All-ACC selection in 2014. Thomas’ play struggled with the rest of the team in 2015. His passer rating fell from 153.9 to 119.4 and his yards per carry dipped from 5.7 to 3.4.

With 81 percent of Tech’s rushing yards and 84 percent of its receiving yards from 2015 returning, the Tech offense figures to rebound, and Thomas along with it.

Thomas is the second Tech player to be placed on a watch list. Center Freddie Burden was the first, earning a spot on the Rimington Trophy (top center in the country).