Quarterback Logan Thomas returning to Virginia Tech for senior season
Logan Thomas is coming back.
The quarterback announced Tuesday on ESPNU’s College Football Live that he will return for his senior season with the Hokies, a major boost for a Virginia Tech team looking to rebound from a 7-6 record, its worst season in 20 years.
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“We have a legacy of winning a lot of games and championships,” Thomas said on the show. “It kind of left a bad taste in my mouth. I want to come back and have a better season this year.”
Thomas said he informed Hokies coaches Frank Beamer, Bryan Stinespring and Shane Beamer of his decision Monday. The deadline to enter the draft was Tuesday.
“They were smiling, laughing and giving me high fives,” Thomas said. “They told me they were happy to have their leader back in the room, and I’m happy to be back.”
The word came not long after former Auburn and Temple offensive coordinator Scot Loeffler interviewed in Blacksburg on Monday. CBS Sports reported that Loeffler has been hired, although Virginia Tech and sources close to the program have yet to confirm that it’s official.
Regardless, it’s clear that a major overhaul to Virginia Tech’s offensive staff is in order, which might have played a factor into Thomas’ decision. Although Frank Beamer has not formally announced any openings on his staff, he has actively looked for a new offensive coordinator since Virginia Tech’s Russell Athletic Bowl win against Rutgers.
Loeffler, the Hokies presumed hire, has a history of working with NFL-bound quarterbacks in his college coaching career. In his time with Michigan and Florida, he’s worked with eventual pros in Brian Griese, Tom Brady, Chad Henne, Drew Henson, John Navarre and Tim Tebow.
By returning, Thomas has a chance to set several school career records. He’s well within reach of Tyrod Taylor’s records for total offense and passing yards and Bryan Randall’s mark for passing touchdowns.
In his college career, Thomas has accounted for 7,111 total yards, 6,096 passing yards and 37 passing touchdowns, numbers that put him third, third and fifth on the Hokies’ all-time lists.
The 6-foot-6, 260-pound Thomas was considered a potential top 10 pick by many after a sophomore season in which he broke his predecessor Taylor’s single-season school mark in total offense (3,482 yards). Thomas also accounted for 30 touchdowns, leading the Hokies to an 11-3 record and trip to the Sugar Bowl.
But he watched his draft stock drop after a mediocre 2012 campaign. Although he broke his own yardage mark (3,500 yards) in one fewer game, his accuracy as a passer fell as he adjusted to life without four senior offensive linemen, receivers Jarrett Boykin and Danny Coale and running back David Wilson.
Thomas’ completion percentage dropped from 59.8 in 2011 to 51.3 in 2012 and he threw 16 interceptions, tied for fourth-most nationally.
“I think with any quarterback, they’ll preach accuracy,” Thomas said, when asked what he needs to improve. “But for me, I need to be a lot more consistent. I had a lot of throws get away from me this year. I’ve just got to take care of the little things that will make me become a better quarterback.”
With Wilson gone, Thomas was forced to shoulder a large portion of the running game. His 524 rushing yards led the team, the first time a quarterback has led the Hokies in rushing since Bobby Owens in 1965. He said he thinks Tech will be able to run the ball better in 2013.
Thomas’ announcement comes a week after cornerback Antone Exum and defensive end James Gayle let it be known that they would return for their senior seasons.
It’s the first time since 2009 the Hokies haven’t had a player leave early for the NFL. Wilson and cornerback Jayron Hosley did it last year. Running backs Ryan Williams and Darren Evans did it in 2011. Defensive end Jason Worilds did it in 2010.
It’s sure to help as the Hokies prepare to take on two-time defending national champion Alabama in the 2013 season opener in the Georgia Dome.
“It’s going to be a great challenge for us,” Thomas said. “I think it will be a motivator for us in the offseason. I think we’ll be excited and ready to go Aug. 31.”
Attainable Virginia Tech career records
Total offense
- 1. Tyrod Taylor, 9,213 yards
- 2. Bryan Randall, 8,034 yards
- 3. Logan Thomas, 7,111 yards
Passing yards
- 1. Tyrod Taylor, 7,017 yards
- 2. Bryan Randall, 6,508 yards
- 3. Logan Thomas, 6,096 yards
Touchdown passes
- 1. Bryan Randall, 48
- 2. Maurice DeShazo, 47
- 3. Tyrod Taylor, 44
- 4. Will Furrer, 43
- 5. Logan Thomas, 37
January 15, 2013 - 2:37 PM
What happened? Did his announcement get bumped because some SEC quarterback is making an announcement at 4:00?
Doesn’t look good. Why would you go on live TV to announce you are coming back? Why would you encourage media attention by going on live TV unless you are going pro?
I hope I am wrong but we better get used to the idea that Logan is gone.
College Football Live is not on the U at that time, comes on at 4:00. The Experts are on until then. If he’s announcing at 3:45 on CFLive, it’s on ESPN. This according to my Direct TV programming guide.
I am getting a bad feeling about this, also.
He is either gone or his announcement is a lead in to a staff change announcement by VT.
We’ll be okay either way, but I hope he stays.
Yeah, they changed the programming. Wrong, my bad, sorry.
#2 Mark – Last two years, USCheat – Barkley? last year and Stanford’s Luck (year previous) both had TV announcements they were staying, so you never know for sure just because they decide to do so on TV.. Perhaps CFB live ask about it since there is not much else to cover today.
Leal should leave if Logan stays. Logan had his opportunity. Didn’t work out.
Staying.
I don’t see the loss of LT as a loss. If he leaves Tech will be forced to use someone else. He just announced he is staying at Tech. Good interview.
YIPPEE!! Great to have Logan back!!
Well, I was wrong on this!!
I am so glad to have been wrong.
Welcome back, Logan Thomas. Work hard, listen to your new coaches, and best wishes on your decision.
Thomas already has his diploma, has never embarrassed the university or football program, and seems like a classy guy. The more Hokie players we have that uphold those tenets the better. Had Thomas gone pro, that would have been totally fine, too, for all the above reasons. It’s about more than selfish fan desires. Good luck this fall, LT.
Just listened to it live. He’s staying. It’s good for Logan, good for VT, and good for college football.
Sweet. I think he brings it next year.
The ESPNU talking heads did mention the new OC; said it hadn’t been finalized. Sounded like it was a done deal.
Good call, Logan. Glad to have you back. Hope the new year brings new opportunities along with the new faces. This selfish fan is happy with your decision.
Glad to hear he is coming back. Looking forward to good year. Another rare occasion where I have to agree with CR’s post. I think I’ll go play the lottery.
This is a positive move for VT, this will guarantee at least 5 wins. Can you realistically see Tech beating anyone except Duke, UVA and 3 cupcakes? They will probably lose 5 players to injuries after Alabammy puts a beat down on them. This is so entertaining, these Hokies.
Nice to read so many positive comments. With the new coaching changes, and all the players coming back, we are set for a great spring, and a great season. Look out alurbama. We will be ready to take it to you! What a great day for Va Tech!
1/15/13…….Hells Yeah!
Good decision on LT’s part. A year and improvement will pay big dividends in the future. Now get him an OL,a couple of good running backs..(2) and some speedy recievers that can catch!!
All 3 staying. I am shocked. Either it was bad news from the NFL advisory letter or these guys share a deeper commitment than I would have expected. Hope its the later and good luck to them all.
Can’t wait to beat up Barry’s Yellow Jackets next year and you Wahoos.
Good?
With Marcus Davis and Corey Fuller done, I guess D.J. Coles coming back, wide receiver will be very competitive in Spring ball?
The Jackets can’t wait either; you will have to come to our House this year. Payback big time for your lucky win last September. Two Coastal champeenships in a row for the Stinging Bees, that’s what I am talking about. So amusing reading someone’s blog yesterday about how Foster’s defense would have done better than Notre Dame. You are dreaming Alice……let’s dissect that one…..VT has played one good team in the last 3 years, that being Clemson. Foster’s defense gave up 99 points to Clemson for those three losses or an average of 33 pts per game. Now you want us to believe Tech has a great defense against good teams. I didn’t say cupcakes and mediocres but GOOD teams. The facts don’t lie. The Jackets will be ready!!!!!!!
After watching Logan for the past 2 seasons he probably get his degree he may need it.
Expectations were high this year and look what happened. It won’t matter if he stays as the OC hire won’t be strong enough to right this ship until Beamer has the gonzos to do some house cleaning. I guess he’s afraid he will hurt someone’s feelings. The pancake schedule will be their only saving grave.
Paul Johnson can’t beat Beamer therefore GT won’t beat Tech. Look at GT’s offense last year. Johnson is realizing that his offense has been figured out and is becoming more conventional, so no problem. All the other schools running the offense are having problems moving the ball consequently more passing and a move to conventional. Face it Barry, GT’s offense fools no one anymore and if it wasn’t for their cupcake schedule they wouldn’t be over .500 next year.
Logan`s run continues. Good. Let`s hope he stays away from the QB guru in California this Spring. Did I hear somewhere that hr was going to the Manning camp this year?
Lonnie, unlike you Logan has his degree. Based on your grammer you might want to consider getting your GED.
Jackets didn’t “win” the coastal this past year. Third place on the field. Granted, that was ahead of the Hokies, except on the scoreboard of course.
Did you remember to send thank you cards to Butch Davis and Nevin Shapiro?
Barry, your fellow GT fans must love that you refer to GT as cupcakes.
Hey 29- GT wasn’t over .500 this year!
Big mistake. I wish the young man well, but I believe that he would have had more of a chance this year. He would have to be exceptional next year to move ahead of McCarron, Murray, Boyd, Bridgewater plus other rising stars. If VT does not have a great offense, his bargaining chip will be gone because he will not have “next year” to fall back on.
Barry, sometimes better to be lucky than good. And always better to be either than neither.
A very surprising news. Unfortunately, 247 Sports broke the news an hour before Logan made it official. Blame that one on Twitter.
However, as excited as I am, I am also tempering my excitement with caution, as this means that the senior class who will lead this fall will have to work their collective butts off. That mean hitting the weight room, getting conditioned, buying into whatever system Loeffler is bringing, listening to Grimes, and Morehead, and if Beamer would allow it, allow all the offensive players compete for starting spots.
I think the idea of “seniority” needs to go the way of the Dodo. One reason Alabama and USC have been so dominant is due to the competitiveness during camps, practices, and more camps. They push each other to breaking point.
That is what Virginia Tech needs starting right this second.
Barry from Ivy…I live in Atlanta, have a daughter and son-in-law that are graduates from GT. I go to a few games a year and pull for them except when they play the Hokies. You, my friend, are living in a fantasy world. GT didn’t win the Coastal…NC was ineligible and Miami declined to go. While it great to want your team to do well, as I do also, try shooting for the stars and strive to beat Georgia. When you do that on a consistent basis, you can be taken seriously.
@Ralph, George Whitfield? The same guy who trained Logan Thomas last year that also trained Andrew Luck and Johnny Football? Are you buying into the internet rumor that he somehow messed up Thomas’ mechanics?
No, I think Thomas should go back and work with him. Also, with Scot Loeffler coming in as the QB coach and OC, he will be helping Logan, Leal, Motley (if the coaches don’t move him to the secondary), Bucky and Carliss Parker get better.
34: I didn’t want to rub it in to much, just give him hope for next year, noott!
Agree with Trevor. Offense – score points until the clock says its over. run it up! Defense – take no prisoners. rest after the final whistle. Go TECH
Hey, Barry from Ivy. How does it feel walking around with the shoe of Joe from Atlanta six inches up your butt? You are barking up the wrong tree!
Why is Tech Alabama’s James Madison this year? Stay with ACC and East Carolinas
Two Coastal championships in a row, that is what I am talking about and I am some kind of excited, don’t care what these fabricated bloggers from Atlanta are saying. Won’t be much left of those Hokies after the Tide rolls them. Logan Thomas will never achieve much without Coale, Boykin and Wilson and those are the real facts, ma’am.
Barry from Ivy did make one good point in the that Tech doen’t do well against Clemson the last 3 years. Passing teams seem to fair better than rinning teams for sure.
A new OC is a good move Stienspring was too predictable. It’s hard to play QB in 3rd and long or on your back most of the time.
Tech isn’t quite BIG TIME yet but they are moving in the right direction.Guess time will tell.
Bill, if Barry made a good point, he read it elsewhere.
Good decision since he can’t possibly play worse in 2013 than he did this past year. Not sure what to think of this new OC since Auburn offense was even worse than VT’s last year plus they lose 3 key receivers. Well Bama will be a rude awakening first game but then cupcake ACC schedule should be a welcome relief.
@Trevor, had not heard those rumors. Probably had more to do with lack of a O line, lack of a running game, and lack of Coale and Boykin, didn`t it?
#39 Trev, Logan has indeed already stated he will return to Whitfield’s camp in Cali, for the reason he learned a tremendous amount in less than a week. We could compare that knowledge gained to the lost opportunity for honing skills while he was on campus in Bburg for well over three years, but I’m not going there. That office is already emptied.
The upside in Logan’s mind about his skill sets probably is that he can avail himself of even more expertise from accomplished instructors with (key here, folks) DIFFERENT perspective. Loeffler might not be a guru, but at least he is a hard worker who’s got a Forrest Gump connection to several memorable names. Loeffler didn’t impress me while on camera, but if he can ‘coach up’ Logan, then good for all parties involved. Thomas wanted to come back – for his reasons – so I hope he looks back a year from now and believes he made the correct decision. He’s given VT four years, it’s only fair he looks out for himself.
Barry said blah, blah, blah, blaaahhhh! Can someone please let me know what he said. Does ANYONE know what he said? I don’t think he knows what he said.
Many of us may have been wrong on this prediction.
But was LT right in his deciision? My powers of observation to conlude no.
RT
……one more record within Logan’s reach…..most wins in a season. Lofty?…yes, very. I think he WANTS it though, especially with the words he used in his interview today. Determination can be similar to the flu…everyone can catch it. Alabama??? Well, line ‘em up….keep the ball away from them….at 6′-6″, 260 we have a better chance at busting them in the mouth than without him….and I think he wants to do just that.
Logan is a great kid. What is plan B coach? There were more than a few times in 2012 where some down time on the bench to collect his kit would have helped.
Great choice LT. Rally the team and glad you stayed.
The GT Honeybees couldn’t beat a drum !! LOL
Why would anyone come back to QB the worst offense in the ACC
if not the nation?? Remember, NO ‘Bama game in August.
Hey Barry!!! The only reason GT got the Coastal Division this year was due to self imposed sanctions by Miami. I am not sure I would go around bragging about winning the division on a technicality.
Now that we know LT is back, my question is do we assume he’s still the starter after his up and down season or does he have to compete with Leal or Hodges this spring to earn the spot again? Seems to me the competition might do LT some good by getting him to focus a little harder and improve where he needs to. Regardless who it is, let’s get ready for Bama….GO Hokies!!