Comparing Logan Thomas’ 2011 and ’12 seasons
The hope for Logan Thomas this season was that the quarterback would blossom in his second year as the Hokies’ starter, advancing his game enough to offset the major losses around him on offense.
The reality was that Thomas had a slight statistical regression, often looking out of sorts with his mechanics and uncomfortable throwing the ball at times. Still, Virginia Tech coaches don’t think Thomas had as bad of a season as many are making it out to be.
“I think he’s progressed,” offensive coordinator Bryan Stinespring said. “Obviously it hasn’t shown up so much in the stat department. A lot of that doesn’t have to do with him. It’s a whole new group around him. I think he’s progressed well. I think he understands defenses more.”
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Thomas knows his mechanics weren’t finely tuned this year. It showed most when he sailed passes over his receivers.
“My throwing motion had gone up or over the top of the shoulder and then I’d drop it down sometimes which caused the ball to sail going back and looking at film,” Thomas said. “It’s just a couple things I need to work on to make sure it’s just the same way every time. Make sure it’s done right. I missed a lot of throws this year to where I want them back.”
A look at Thomas’ statistics shows a slight regression, but not a huge step back (then again, the hope for Thomas this year was to make a big step forward). For all of Thomas’ struggles, he’s still 172 yards from breaking his own school record in total offense. Granted, it will take him more plays to reach that mark this year (and far more than Tyrod Taylor needed in 2010), something that shows just how dependent on Thomas the Hokies were this season.
Here’s the last three years for Tech’s total offense leaders, all of which were — or likely will be — school records:
- 2010: Tyrod Taylor, 461 plays, 3,402 yards
- 2011: Logan Thomas, 544 plays, 3,482 yards
- 2012: Logan Thomas, 557 plays, 3,311 yards
Here are Thomas’ passing stats in 2011 and ’12:
- 2011: 14 games, 234-391, 59.8%, 3,013 yards, 19 TD, 10 INT, 7.7 7pa, 135.5 rating, 215.2 ypg, 27.9 apg, 3,482 total yards, 248.7 ypg
- 2012: 12 games, 205-390, 52.6%, 2,783 yards, 17 TD, 14 INT, 7.1 ypa, 119.7 rating, 231.9 ypg, 32.5 apg, 3,311 total yards, 276.2 ypg
He’ll actually have a chance to throw for more yards in fewer games, although he’s been less efficient. His completion percentage is down over seven points. He would have needed to complete 28 more of his passes this year to reach last season’s completion rate. Dropped passes by receivers can only account for so much.
His interceptions are up slightly and thus his rating is down. But he’s thrown the ball far more often this year, many times with the Hokies trailing big and in obvious passing situations.
He has almost five more attempts this season. He had five games with 34 or more attempts this season. He had only two such games last year. He had two games last year in which he completed fewer than 50 percent of his passes (his first two as a starter, so inexperience was a factor). This year, it was four games, including the last two against Boston College and Virginia.
Conversely, last season he had seven games in which he completed 60 percent or more of his passes. He topped the 60 percent mark only twice this year.
His rushing stats look very similar to last year:
- 2011: 153 carries, 469 yards, 3.1 ypc, 11 TD, 10.9 apg, 33.5 ypg
- 2012: 167 carries, 528 yards, 3.2 ypc, 9 TD, 13.8 apg, 44.3 ypg
Given Virginia Tech’s running backs, it’s no surprise that Thomas shouldered a bigger load, getting almost three more carries a game. What’s surprising is his yards per carry actually went up slightly. Anecdotally, that didn’t seem like it would be the case.
While Thomas never had more than 18 carries in a game last season (the Georgia Tech game), he had 20 or more carries three times this season (Clemson, Miami, Virginia). He had 29 carries for 89 yards against the Cavaliers, shouldering the offensive load on a day where the elements weren’t conducive for passing by repeatedly running into a stacked front.
Although the stats don’t show a glowing picture about Thomas’ season, Stinespring, for one, still thinks the quarterback is the same NFL prospect he was following last season.
“When we sit back and talk, ‘Is Logan ready?’ He’s the same guy he was last year,” Stinespring said. “Obviously the stats haven’t gone the same as last year and the completion percentage is not as high as it was last year, but it’s not like you got a guy that last year everybody was talking about how quickly he could be drafted and now people will kind of talk about if and when.”
December 22, 2012 - 11:16 AM
Let me ask,
How ready was Michael Vick for the NFL when he bolted early for the NFL?? Did he play in a high tech, sophisticated passing scheme at Tech? Everybody remembers his ’99 season but how many people remember what his ’00 season was like? Didn’t he have accuracy issues?? With Andre Davis back, with his offensive line back, AND with an upgrade at RB with Lee Suggs. And don’t give me the injury excuse; look at how Vick did in ’00 before he got injured…
Michael Vick had a very good ’02 season with the Falcons, his first as a full-time starter after learning the ropes from Chris Chandler and an NFL coaching staff in ’01.
Honestly, call me crazy, but I think Logan Thomas has a greater upside as an NFL QB than Vick. As has been repeated ad nauseum, Thomas is a physical specimen like Vick (though of a different type), but more importantly I think Thomas has far more mental discipline and intellectual curiosity than Vick (don’t underestimate the value of these in an NFL QB; why is Ryan Fitzpatrick an NFL starter but not Vince Young)? Also, Logan is less injury prone, obviously.
If VT does NOT hire somebody of the caliber of Tedford or K. Rogers, then Logan Thomas should leave, it’s a no-brainer. Even if VT does make such a hire, Logan should still give the NFL some thought.
So Stinespring think Logan Thomas progressed well this season? Not that he regressed, but that he progressed, and did so well. Hmm. I guess that will help explain Stinespring’s new job title being announced in January. That kind of crack evaluation is what we’ve always enjoyed from Stinespring.
The good thing for Thomas is that the NFL scouts will not really hold his lack of instruction from the VT coaches or the inefficiency of the VT offense from hurting Logan’s draft status.
LMA, I’m not calling you crazy, but I disagree about Logan Thomas potential being superior to Michael Vick’s. He’s a more powerful and modern sized QB than MV, but where he falls short is in mindset. Thomas does not have the confidence of Vick, not even close. Given time, he can be a serviceable backup and even a dependable starter. He won’t ever be a superstar in the manner of Michael Vick, though.
Nothing wrong with that, very few come along that are in that mold. RG3 is one, but not many others out there.
Crooked Road, I do value your opinion on Logan Thomas’ future as a NFL QB because you are the best QB I know of-that would be a Monday morning QB of course.
Another thing you are great at is twisting someone’s quotes around so you can critisize that person. Go back and read Stinesprings quotes in Andy’s article. Quite different than what you said he said. Am I surprised? Of course not.
And we all know your predictions about what may take place within the coaching straff is just data you pick up from other sites. No need in trying to make people think you are the resident expert We all know better.
Crooked Road, when the positive news came out that VT’s class of 2013 recruiting class is highly regarded we never heard a peep out of you. Not one. Wonder why?
Only when there is something or someone to be critical of do we hear from you. Thanks so much for making my naysayer, antagonist assessment of you ring so very true. And I have to say that the role of Monday Morning QB fits quiet nicely too.
Mr. Crooked Road, I believe danny has you pinned down. What say you? Is a concession in order?
I for the life of me can figure out how our 2013 class is ranked so high. I mean one 5star and six 4 stars? Who cares about 3 stars even a team like VT can get as many of those as they want.
I’m not saying the class is bad I just can’t see how we’re in the same league as other teams with 12-15 4 stars.
As for Logan Thomas, regression is a huge understatement. I can almost forgive the overthrows on the longer throws, but heck he couldn’t even through a wide open screen – simple pitch and catch. If he goes to the NFL he really risks never getting much of a chance, but perhaps he can get paid – at least initially. Unless you’ve got a huge guaranteed contract and lot’s of expectations the NFL has very little patience with quarterbacks anymore. They’re ready and willing to dump you and move to the next guy out of college. Still, the field as about as week is it’s going to get. Even for a player like Michael Vick who failed miserably the last two years it’s inevitable he will start again. Too many holes to fill (Arizona, Jets, Miami, Jacksonville, Oakland, etc.).
I agree unless there’s a commitment to help me be a better QB I would bolt if I’m projected 1st round, maybe even second. He needs a better coach.
Get L.Thomas a good offensive line just maybe he can lead the chokies to a win this bowl season and if he returns next season the chokie season would not be so bad after all the TIDE will make sure to crush the chokies and on national tv too ouch!
Oh, I am a huge fan of crooked road the road speaks the truth and I guess chokie nation can’t handle it uh? Deal with it!
Stinespring thinks he and the staff know whether or not Logan is ready for the NFL. What a joke. That is what he’s implying right? That they are qualified to make that determination?
Mr. Potato Chip, I can easily see you and Crooked Road being best buddies.
You also a fan of some team VT beats up every year Chippy? I love how obsessed haters come on here but almost never reveal their allegiance. I know why. Every team that could possibly be considered a rival, VT owns bragging rights against except for maybe Clemson and that’s only in the last 2 years. UVA, GT, Miami, UT Vol fans who think simply being in the SEC makes them better…am I missing anyone?
The difference in 2011 and 2012 is simple. Two reasons: Coale and Boykin. If Thomas has mediocre receivers, he is a mediocre passer. You then have just a TE throwing the football. He would be better off to run the ball 80% of the time, he can always lunk down the field. If VT cannot run the ball against Rutgers and more specifically, if Thomas cannot run the ball against Rutgers, it is going to be a disastrous day for the Hokies.
Could be his passing and mechanics suffered a lot from getting beat up so
much running the ball.
I was in Blacksburg yesterday, watching one of my daughters graduate. (a semester early, that’ll save me 5 or 6 grand!) That high speed wind and the cold temperature reminded me of my days walking across the drill field while headed to class. It was snowing sideways!
Anyway, Logan Thomas was also there and he received his undergrad diploma. There was a nice applause for him when his name was called. I was glad for that. I think we have placed a lot of undue blame and criticism on that young man. Without him this past season, we would have been a lot worse off. (That’s not a slam at the backup QB) I for one hope he comes back next year. The NFL scouts evaulate the players on many things other than stats (size, strength, ability to make certain throws, etc). That’s evidenced by Thomas’ stock not falling much, even though his stats dropped this year. Most scouts still view him as a late first round pick. He’s got a tough decision and I wish him nothing but the best!
This isn’t GT Barry where you have to have Stephen Hill, Demaryius Thomas or Calvin Johnson catching “prayers”. It’s obvious you didn’t watch any VT games besides the GT one
To danny and Jerry thanks for the comments! I must say that no thank god that I am not a VT hokie fan! I just live in the roanoke region and have to be subjected to the over hyped chokies and their followers like the both of you. Don’t get me wrong I wish I had a team like Virginia Tech that gets all this press when they lose and have terrible seasons. Its ok I am happy not having a favorite football team in college it would be to easy to back just one team. I just refuse to back any team expecially the VT chokies that get so much praise for what? I guess for the loyal chokie nation just showing up!! Like the saying goes for the loyal chokie fan:
“Were still the best even though we beat nothing”!!
As for L Thomas Jump ship as fast as you can so that he can’t be used as an escape goat when losses show up and the coaching staff refuses to take responsibility!
Mr. Potato Chip – Is it anything similar to your teachers refusing to take responsibility for your education when you say things like “escape goat”?
Dont be mistaken Mr. Potato Chip. Nobody is upset that you are not a Hokie fan. We’re fine with that.
Rob In your opinion you might be right but I went to school and learned that when you are on a public stage like the VT Hokies are and get so much praise for very little effort in a sport and not in the classroom or contribute anything to society its easy to pass blame to someone else when things go bad. Am I right or not? You have seen yourself after each game the winning ones and the losses how Beamer and company comes up and tries to talk about everything else other than the fact that the beloved hokies choked again. I don’t mean to hurt anybody’s feelings but I express my real feelings about the VT hokies because at times the chokie nation gets to big headed and people like myself needs to get some reality into the ones that think the VT is the only game in town which they are not. Rob I guess your teachers didn’t take any responsibiilty for your education because your backing a sorry team and the loyal chokie nation needs people like yourself because your pathetic loyal chokies will accept anything and keep proclaiming that the VT hokies are the best which in reality for the rest of us they are average!
Thanks danny!
Mr. Potato Chip – The term is “scapegoat”, not “escape goat”. However, you are right, the Hokies are an average team. You would have more credibility (and draw less venom) if you simply used objective facts instead of pejoratives like “chokies”. Unless of course your goal is to insult.
Tyring to guess where Logan would end up in this years draft is still speculative for sure. Anytime I tried to second guess the NFL good ol boy scouting network I am usally always wrong. Upside, attitude, work ethic, and coachability all in his favor. It’s a fine line between working for a team and playing for a team.If they think you can make em coin, they will draft you.
In case you missed it, the great Calvin Johnson (Georgia Tech) is the new all time pass receptions leader.
Jerry, “Stinespring thinks he and the staff know whether or not Logan is ready for the NFL. What a joke. That is what he’s implying right? That they are qualified to make that determination?”
I’d say they are more qualified than you to determine his readiness. Where have you coached? Have you spent almost everyday watching and talking to Logan Thomas?
Mr.Potato Chip Would You Please Come Up With Something New Besides Chokies You Must Be Calling Some Of The Plays If You Can’t Come Up With Anything Better!!!!
Hey Charles chip, where did you come from , here at the end of the season? Must have been trying to think of something intelligent to say…. Well you should get back in your can and have a hokie close the lid tight. You are getting stale!
I saw some of the nfl game last nite. Calvin Johnson is a gifted receiver . It’s a shame he is stuck in Detroit . They loose again and this time to a team from ga.
Barry, and Megatron is on a sucky team. Kind of fitting. Georgia Tech sucks and so does the Lions.
540 – None of the VT offensive coaches have coached in the NFL nor will they ever. In fact some of them need to be kicked down to the FCS or lower
Its a shame he was stuck in Atlanta- imagine if he’d played for a more prolific passing team in college, or even UGa…
Chokies… that one hobbled out of Methulisa’s (sp) hindquarters on crutches can’t we come up with something more original?
Where have you coached Jerry??