It has been a long time coming, but thankfully, that moment has arrived. When the Georgia Bulldogs decided to pursue former Texas A&M Aggies wide receiver Noah Thomas in the transfer portal, they were hoping he could become a huge part in the team's possession receiving game when it mattered. After not doing much in his first seven Georgia games, he has scored a touchdown in the last three...
With No. 5 Georgia leading 14-3 at halftime over No. 10 Texas, guess who was on the receiving end of both of Gunner Stockton's first-half touchdown passes? Thomas had four catches for 32 yards and two touchdowns before the break. Both of his touchdowns were the epitome of him using his big frame as leverage to get open and make the big play. Stockton and Georgia fans are so happy he did.
While Georgia needs to find other ways to get the ball into the end zone on this bend but don't break Texas defense, Thomas has become a reliable target Stockton can lean on in the passing game. His four first-half catches eclipse his two best performances at Georgia previously. If he plays up to his potential in the second half, he may be able to outperform his 78-yard game vs. Mississippi State.
Thomas' rise in the receiving corps is a credit to him, as well as Georgia carving out a defined role.
Georgia has a new secret weapon in the former of WR Noah Thomas
It is a lofty comparison, but the way Thomas uses his basketball frame is reminiscent to what made Drake London so special at USC and why the Atlanta Falcons are so lucky to have him. Thomas is still figuring out what he can do within the context of his offense, but Stockton and offensive coordinator Mike Bobo may have found it for him. When they need a jump ball or an out route, throw it to Thomas!
Overall, you need to build your receiving corps like a basketball team. You need possession guys to be the power forwards to get vertical and come up with a big rebound, or a contested ball in this situation. It was abundantly clear during the Florida game that Bobo, Stockton and the rest of the UGA offense wanted to get Thomas more involved. With every play he makes, he gains confidence.
Ultimately, Georgia is still one of the very best teams in the country, not just because of their depth, but because of their coaching. Thomas could have stayed in College Station and been on a great Aggies team. However, he bet on himself believing that Georgia was going to be a better fit for him. It took a painfully long time, but the product on the field is starting to produce out in dividends for him.
So here is to Thomas continuing to blossom the rest of the way during his first season with Georgia.