If you were Logan Thomas, what would you do?
MEL KIPER JR. SAYS LOGAN THOMAS is “a little rough around the edges” but likes his draft potential. “[W]hen you look at the talent, he’s more talented than any quarterback that’s going to be in this draft. You take any quarterback — I don’t care who it is — he’s more talented.” Kiper adds: “He’s the kind of guy who needs a quarterback coach, needs to work on some things.”
Add it all up, and I think Thomas should go — provided he wants to. Put another way: I don’t think Thomas should stay if he only wants to stay to improve his draft stock. NFL people don’t care much about your production. Once the tape measures come out, somebody will fall in love with him and take him in the first round.
I’VE BEEN NOTICING A LOT OF DADS IN THE NEWS LATELY. You had Larry Fitzgerald’s pops ripping the Cardinals for quitting against Seattle. Now you have Robert Griffin II saying he thinks Robert Griffin III will be ready to play this week. Going back to last year, Colby Rasmus’ dad chirped so much that the Cardinals had to trade the kid to the Blue Jays. At some point, you’ve got to let your boy speak for himself.
SO THE WHOLE BOUNTY THING WAS JUST A HUGE WASTE OF TIME. Suspensions vacated. That’s probably enough on that topic, but if you want to read more, here you go.
THERE’S A LOT OF HAND-WRINGING ABOUT THE LAKERS losing again last night to fall to 9-13. Seems this happens every year with them and the Yankees. There are 60 games left; no chance the Lakers fail to straighten things out and make the playoffs, so put that in the “waste of time” file next to the bounty stuff.
WORKING ON MY ANNUAL BOWL GUIDE where I pick all the games against the spread. Have to take Rutgers and the 2 1/2 points against the Hokies in the Russell Athletic Bowl. Tech covered against Florida State, Duke and Bowling Green this season. That’s it. I don’t know how you can play them as a favorite in this spot. Agree or disagree?
HERE’S A NEW ONE: Raptors center Amir Johnson draws a one-game suspension for throwing his mouthpiece at a ref. On the plus side, this story confirms the Toronto Raptors still exist.
KEVIN YOUKILIS IN PINSTRIPES. Yet another one-year contract for the Yankees, who are trying to get under the luxury tax next year. I don’t think Youk is worth $12 million anymore, but if you’re only tied to him for one year and need somebody to fill in for an injured A-Rod, you can live with it.
AND FINALLY, THANKS TO KRISTIN BOWSER for including one of my tweets in “The 10 Most Sarcastic Tweets About Big East Basketball’s Impending Implosion.” I’m honored.
NAME THAT TUNE
If you think I’m controlling
Then why do you follow me around
If you’re not co-dependent
Then why do you let others drag you down
I don’t know why you’re messed up
I don’t know why your whole life is a chore
Just do me a favor
And check your baggage at the door
December 12, 2012 - 8:46 AM
Logan Thomas take the money and run. Too much risk to come back if he can go anywhere in 1st round. Good one about the Raptors Aaron I really had forgot they existed.
Does it really matter what any NBA team’s record is before February? Keep in mind the champion will be crowned in only seven more months. The Lakers’ record doesn’t matter, Kobe is getting his points, nothing else of interest there.
If you think the BountyGate issue was a waste, then I guess it’s okay that Sean Payton lost $6 million in salary, Gregg Williams will never work in the NFL again, the Saints season was destroyed, and Jonathon Vilma & other players were labeled as dirty. Yeah, no big deal – reputations shattered, incomes erased, playing careers shortened, fans deprived of team success. But hey, Roger Goodell came across as the most vindictive sports commissioner since David Stern, so that’s something.
I think Logan Thomas should go pro. The class of QBs is very weak this year. He’s still highly rated, based on potential and physicality. He’s not going to receive any instruction in college that equates to what he’ll receive in the NFL. He’ll have to back up somebody once he gets in the NFL, whether he stays another year or not. The talent surrounding him offensively at VT is not going to improve drastically next season. The sooner he goes pro, the sooner he gets to his second contract, which is where he can make big time money. The NFL rookie salary cap will limit the length & amount of his first contract, anyway, so he might as well take the plunge. He’ll be a millionaire either way. College is fun. College football is not nearly as much fun when you don’t win as much. At least in the NFL, you still get paid if you lose. Best of luck to Thomas, whatever he decides.
I’ll take the Hokies in the bowl game, regardless of the points. I think we’ll win… 27-17, maybe?
Logan should leave for the pros. The QB class is incredibly weak…and some teams desperately need talent at that position, like Arizona, the Jets, Jacksonville, Minnesota…to name 4. Combine that reality with the fact that if VT makes no changes, next year likely won’t yield any huge eye-popping stats that help him elevate, or that if VT does make changes that he will be trying to adjust to new staff for his last season at VT…and I think he goes. There’s really no reason to stay. He’s not got the talent to win a Heisman, and VT isn’t goot enough to win a national title…so he’s basically accomplished everything he can at this level. He was around for an ACC title as Tyrod’s backup…but hasn’t won one as a starter, which is really the only realistic goal he could have for next year. I don’t think he could get the kind of coaching necessary to make him a better player without going pro.
Rolling that to the bowl game…I have to agree…pick Rutgers and the points. I think there is a good chance the Scarlet Knights just straight-up win the game…but Rutgers kind of reminds me of VT in a few ways. They don’t score, but the defense was stout. They generally lost to the tougher opposition, but didn’t really play anyone all that terribly great. They got whacked by Pittsburgh at Heinz Field. Maybe they’ll play to a unsatisfying 10-10 tie game. That would be the fitting end to a forgettable season of Hokies football…
I met Bud Foster in person last night while dining at Bulls and Bones, coincidentally when he was going to be on Tech Talk Live, and he sure is a very nice guy. He was telling me that Rutgers plays a very physical football game and he was also on the road recruiting. I told him that I hope the team kicks Rutgers’ ass, which he gave a chuckle and said that the kids were working hard. I have heard that he is one of the nicest guys to meet, and it was true. On the sideline is a completely different Bud.
Anyway…Aaron, to answer your question about what Logan should do, I made a case for him to go pro for a Hokies’ web site at Gobbler Country, so I don’t think I need to repeat. I think he should go. The risk of being further mediocre and injury are there if he decides to stick around one more year.
BountyGate…yup, waste of time. That’s really on the League since they failed to provide all the “evidences” they claim to have gathered in their investigation of the bounty scandal. It also puncture the mythical Goodell’s armor that he is the judge, jury, and executioner. Hey, there can be only one Judge Dredd, and he ain’t it. I guess then the question is does it mean Gregg Williams and Sean Payton can resume coaching? IIRC, Gregg Williams is indefinitely banned from coaching in the NFL.
Re: Lakers…oh who care about the Diva Lakers? That’s what they get for catering to every Kobe Bryant’s whims and bringing in a whining “superstar” from Orlando. Then there’s Steve Nash who is not aging well, injury-prone, and deseparately seeking a ring before hanging it up.
And other thing, what’s with the obsession of taking teams and the “spread” just to make the picks? That makes very little sense. Isn’t that why you haven’t done so well in Fearless Forecaster?
The NFL should have something like the NBA where a person can explore further their draft potential and still come back to school if they have not signed with an agent.
That being said, how can anyone in a right mind tell a kid to turn down even the $ from being a 3rd round pick? It is still alot more than the average Joe can earn.
I just hope LOgan makes the right decision for Logan. He is a good kid.
AMac you should have had a Steve Miller song this morning for Name That Tune….take the money and run, Logan. Tech coaching changes or not next year, I don’t think there will be anyone in Blacksburg that can help correct what is wrong with his mindset/mechanics that caused him to have the lackluster season that he did. And if he returns to Tech into that same under performing offense and has to run the ball as often as he did this year he’s risking injury, I don’t care how big and strong he is, he took a beating at times. If he’s lucky he’ll end up carrying a clipboard a couple of seasons on a team with a good QB coach and a veteran quarterback to show him the ropes. Can you imagine if he ended up in say Pittsburg behind Big Ben, or maybe in Denver behind Peyton Manning? Talk about a dream job! Good luck to a good kid, what ever he decides to do, but I really don’t think there’s much left for him to prove in Blacksburg.
Nothing good will come from Logan staying except from a fan standpoint. He has the chance to make a lot of money at a young age. If he is wise with it he should have no worries the rest of his life. If he declares I think he will be the 1st qb taken in the draft. Hope he likes Arizona! Hokies/bowl game sheesh! I’m more looking forward to the potential coaching changes.
So the ex NFL commissioner overruled the present NFL commissioner, big deal. With all the rules about player safety it does send a conflicting message. Now the NFL is talking about eliminating kickoffs. In a few years there will be a name change to the NFFL – National Flag Football League.
I forgot about Thomas. Take the money, there is nothing at VT which will improve your present draft standing. The down side for Hokie fans – thanks to the run Logan first game plan none of the backups got any experience this year.
I doubt Thomas will actually go in the first round (I see him more as a late 2nd-or-early 3rd round pick like Nick Foles last year, particularly seeing how few teams have major QB needs at the moment), but I would still go if I were him.
Looking ahead to the 2014 draft, it looks more loaded with QB talent than the 2013. Potential ‘name’ prospects in 2014 would include Murray (UGA), Bray (Tenn.), Mettenberger (LSU), Tajh Boyd (Clem.), AJ McCarron (Ala.), and others. If Thomas stays, CBS Sports has him ranked 4th in next year’s crowd at this point, and it’s hard to see that improving much. It could drop if some other talented guys (including Aaron Rodgers’ little brother at Vandy) decide to jump early.
I’d take the money.
That would be She’s Got Issues by Offspring. And yeah, you should’ve went with Take the Money and Run……
Jump Ship Go Pro!
I agree with with Hunter. He ran the ball, or perhaps had to run the ball, way too many times. If I knew the answer to his issues with inconsistency, I would certainly voice them. One play he looks like he owns the field, the next he under/over/behind throws a ball that makes you wonder whose side he’s on. Such a big difference between last year and this year. Having two guys in the press box calling plays didn’t fix the problem; maybe contributed to it. As much as it pains me to say this, I agree with Crooked Road, Thomas should go pro. Selfishly, I would like to see him come back because when he’s on, he’s as good as it gets. Why he’s not ‘on’ all of the time is a puzzle. But, when I look at next year, the picture is a bit gloomy. A new set of receivers. With a coaching change, maybe, a new system to get installed. That takes time and a few hiccups along the way. If no coaching change, well, what will they do differently to affect a different result? So, if I were Thomas, this starting to look like a ‘no-win’ situation next year. New system with new system issues plus new receivers, or old system that is deeply flawed with new receivers. Really, it’s time for Thomas to move on.
Living in Arizona, I would take Thomas right now as the Cardinal’s quarterback.
She’s Got Issues it is. Nicely done.
Logan Thomas should leave as fast as possible. The coaching he gets at VT is pathetic, he will not risk injury, he will probably get a tub of money, and he will finally get some coaching to prepare for a pro career in the future, staying is a waste of time.
RP
Boyd may go this year.
The question you guys should be asking is what would Logan Thomas leaving do to the state of Virginia Tech football? Without any experience on the bench to take over it could make for an interesting year for the second year in a row.
Thomas strikes me as a smarter version of Jamarcus Russell. Similar builds and similar “potential”. I think he would do well as a mid-round pick who can work into his stride, but would flounder if too many expectations were placed on him. As a Philly fan who put up with Donavan McNabb’s shortcomings on accuracy, I personally believe that QB’s don’t suddenly learn to be more accurate. But I think Thomas would still be better than 3-4 of the current starters in the NFL
Desert Hokie, even as much as Logan disappointed me this year as a fan, I believe your Cardinals would be blessed to have him….I think he is truly a diamond in the rough. You me and a lot of Hokie nation are still wondering what happened between last year and the 2012 campaign. Eventually it’s gonna come back to LT and he’s going to be an NFL star one day soon. It’s time for LT and the Hokies to go their separate ways and time for both to think about the future.
OG, that was my thought. I think LT should go, but that leaves a big hole to fill for next year. Leal didn’t get many reps this year because of how badly VT stunk because they couldn’t build up big enough leads or run the ball worth a darn without LT. I’d be ok with another off year next year if they are making some substantial changes to the staff and game planning, because it’s hard to imagine that they could get any less productive offensively than they’ve been.
As a football decision I think LT should go. I sincerely doubt he will improve his stock. If he is thinking individual awards or that he has something to prove, well, than staying would be ok so he can mature a little. There isn’t anyone with the Hokies who can make him a better NFL QB.
Since he is clearly a “project” with incredible talent this would be a good year because the teams that need immediate impact will probably pass on him. This would give him a good chance at a situation where he would have time to develop. It seems to me that Pittsburgh would be perfect. They have a great QB, two older backups (one of whom will retire so there is a vacancy) and the time to learn in an offense that suits him. Denver, Green Bay, New England, Giants might also fit.
I hope the Lakers are landfilled with their rings.
I think you are wrong about the Bounty thing. Tagliabue only said that the players were doing what their coaches said. The Saints were organizationally blamed. This is not over, especially since Goodell works for the owner, in essence, and the owner is now on the line AND players say every team in the league does similar stuff. I think this has just started. The cynic could say that Goodell tried to lay it on the players and Coaches to PROTECT the owner and that the players not “taking it” for the team is a big deal.
To go, or not to go, that is a very seriousy question, and it has very serious consequences for many.
If he goes, and does well very early, heads turn on a swivel back to Blacksburg with a ‘what the hell did you do to this guy’ look on them.
If he doesn’t do so well, he may have made a mistake at not absorbing some more college coaching, be it how marginal it might be.
If he is careful, injury shouldn’t be an issue. It’d be like injurying a dinosaur.
His biggest flaw were so gross2x over and under throws. He gets that out of the way, and he should go. I’m still convinced that ripped thumbnail didn’t have more of an impact than anyone ever let one.
I think one more thinh in LTs favor is his overall ability. If he can’t learn to make the throws he is not a throw away like a lot of college QBs. He would most certainly have no trouble transferring to another position in the NFL.
Now, if I were Logan T., Sr, I’d probably approach it this way, “son, if you are going to be any damn good in the League, you are going to be good, so that extra year of college ball is just for fun, and you are mighty close to that degree anyway . . . . so why don’t you go on upstairs, start cleaning out that room . . ned any help, just let somebody know. We’ve always needed a spare bedroom – and when come around, we’ll manage.
I agree with the consensus view on this string… Logan should go pro now. As a VT fan, I wish he would stay, but as a football fan I cannot in good conscience wish that for him. Kiper’s view that Logan is “the kind of guy who needs a quarterback coach, needs to work on some things…” is shared by Hokie Nation. (sigh)….
Plus, he will have a very inexperienced receiving corps, uncertain running game and (possibly) a new offensive system and/or coordinator next year… or worse, the same offensive staff.
Leal is a talented player… and it is ironic that we would probably have little drop-off if a high NFL draft pick-caliber QB left…..
If I was Logan Thomas I would definitely take the money and run; Jamarcus Russell definitely comes to mind. Thomas had a much worse time this year than last year so you can safely assume next year would be a big bust. Not really many good players around him next year. The NFL desperately needs QB’s, good or bad ones to timing is great for LT.
You guys forget – When Logan came to Tech he was a Tight End – You can take your usual cuts on the Hokie Coaching Staff, but somebody did a fairly good job in the conversion process!
LT should leave Blacksburg. One more year at Tech will do him no good.
Rutgers wins the game out right. Tech will not be able to score enough points against their defense.
Is this a serious conversation about Logan in the NFL ?? Serious ??
He is not, and may never be, ready for the NFL as a starting QB. He best work on his degree first. I will say he should consider transferring even if it means waiting a year. WORK ON THE DEGREE ! ! What if he has a career ending injury tomorrow or in 2 years?? I think like a father, not an airhead fan.
Logan should definitely stay, enjoy college life a year longer help the Hokies beat Alabama and then roll like the tide to a national championship game!
If I’m Logan Thomas and my NFL draft evaluation tells me that I’m a likely first round pick, I take the money and RUN!!! This is the chance for me and my family to be financially set for life. There’s no way I miss out on a chance like that so that I can spend another year in college. If I haven’t already got my degree, I can come back and finish up on that later. When you’re projected as a first round pick, there’s only one way to go from there, and that’s down.
Should LT decide to go, he will likely wow the scouts at the Indy combine tryouts. Not sure he has anything else to prove at VT. The likely loss to Rutgers and coaching changes after that game will be more of a reason to bolt. Great kid who came to VT as a Tight End, wanted to play that position in college, but ironically, will maybe join the millionaires club as a QB in the NFL.Call Tyrod and ask him how’s that gig doing for you holding a clipboard.
The way he passeed this year is no reflection of how the cattle herders will judge him in Indy.
At the beginning of this season, I would have argued that Logan Thomas should stay at VT and compete one more year at the college level, even if he had an exceptional year in 2012. Andrew Luck did it and, in Sept 2012, it seemed to me that Thomas should too. But not now. Thomas’s confidence is shot in no small part because of the head bozo coaching the offense.
But the lack of coaching leadership starts with Beamer. He doesn’t realize Thomas’s potential; if he did, he’d hire a new OC. He won’t b/c he wants a “yes man” as an OC, not an up and coming top-gun who might have the coaching acumen necessary to take Thomas and VT to the next level. That might mean his son, Shane, wouldn’t get the head coaching job when Frank retires. Like many leaders in sports and business, Beamer failed to adapt to changing times, and now the players, fans, alumni, and the program as a whole will suffer until he’s gone.
Although Mike O’Cain is a good coach, Beamer has limited his ability to take control of the offense. Logan Thomas deserves the opportunity to learn from top-gun coaches and realize his potential. I hate to admit it, but that’s much less likely to happen next year at VT than in the NFL. VT is likely entering a period of mediocrity like FSU and PSU during Bowden’s and Paterno’s last years. Thomas is probably better off getting paid to learn about the position he loves to play in the NFL, even if it means being a back-up for a few years, then playing for VT in 2013.
Stay and beat Alabama??? You are definitely drinking the Kool Aid. Alabama will not even need the first team in that game. If he can bolt and make some $$$, then he should go for it. Jamarcus Russell did and didn’t even have to play long in the NFL.
Go for the money. Why stay at Tech and risk an injury when you can get rich quick. Don’t let selfish people influence you to stay.
Logan should get out of dodge before Stiney and O’Cain can screw him up even more.
logan…..pack your bags now….get as far away from VT as you can…..Saban will make sure VT dont look so bad….but VT will be lucky to win five games next year….everybody is getting better except VT
Thomas should leave IF anyone in their right minds in the NFL want a lineman who masquerades as a QB. What, please tell me, has he got to be a quality QB at the pro level except for his size? He is NOT a Cam Newton. If he does get drafted in any round, he had best take it now. VT cannot support this young man or raise his level of play (they are that bad). I wish him well in his future, whatever it may be.
Logan thanks and best of luck! Take the money and get some coaching while you wait your turn. If he does, that is yet another star that redshirts and doesn’t even stay for their senior year anyway? Will trey Edmunds be next? Quit red shirting these talented kids and play them.
Finally, a serious post from Barry From Ivy.
I am sorry, but there is way, way too much Logan Thomas euphoria. Let us face it, he had a LOUSY season. I am sorry for being so negative, but it was AWFUL. Absolute worst passing stats in the ACC. Sure he is big, and everyone seems enamored with that. And oh yes, the line was bad, the receivers were bad, the running game was bad and it was not his fault. I do not buy that. He missed way too many open receivers and threw way too many picks that was just plain and simply him. His leadership, accuracy and ability to read the field need sizable improvements. Enough of the bad talk.
Can he go pro? Should he go pro? Yes and yes. But no team is going to be falling on their face to recruit him. Bringing on LT is high risk. He is not a little rough around the edges, he is very rough. The ability to run the ball means less in the pros (look at Tebow and Netwon.) Can good QB coaching smooth him out and make him pro worthy? Maybe, but also maybe, his accuracy problems are just built in and cannot be overcome. I wish him the best, and hope he gets more accurate, either next year at VT or pro.
Sitting as a fan in lane, I have seen both sides of LT3. When hes on point he is great, and when he is bad its destructive. If some NFL analyst has you going in the first round or even the early 2nd as a junior Take The Money and RUN! Tech’s OC had no clue what he was doing last yeaer. “Oh the bubble screen worked once lets run it another 10 times this game. 3rd and 25 lets dump the ball off to the RB.” I sure hope he leaves soon. Thomas paid his dues to the school, he doesnt have to stay for anyone else now. Get the money and set it aside for later in life. Worst case he could be a Tebow and have to convert some.
As for Tech on the spread, I would take Tech winning by a field goal (more if Tech plays like we did against FSU).