Virgina Tech Spring Game: Logan Thomas And The Terrible, Horrible, No-Good, Very Bad Day
By Kyle Kensing
Apr 20, 2013; Blacksburg, VA, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies quarterback Logan Thomas throws a pass during the Virginia Tech Hokies spring game at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports
The Virginia Tech Hokies ended a disappointing 2012 with momentum, defeating rival Virginia and outlasting Rutgers to win the Russell Athletic Bowl. Logan Thomas eschewed the NFL draft for another year to continue the move back to the top of the ACC, and presumably shore up the issues that plagued his junior season.
Saturday’s spring game indicated Thomas has work to do to regain his groove. The Hokie quarterback threw three interceptions in the first half and his Orange team failed to muster any momentum.
Hokie head coach Frank Beamer hired offensive coordinator Scot Loeffler in the offseason. Loeffler came off a forgettable run with the Auburn Tigers, which in Loeffler’s defense, was a bad situation largely out of his control. The Tigers had a revolving door at quarterback as Gene Chizik’s program quickly unraveled.
Thomas and Loeffler began spring practices kindred spirits of sorts, a quarterback and coach each seeking a rebound through each other. There’s still plenty of time before Virginia Tech kicks off 2013 against the best defense in college football, the Alabama Crimson Tide. Still, Saturday was an ominous look into all that can go wrong for the Hokies when they meet the defending national champions.
Some of Thomas’ struggles can be attributed to the controlled environment of a spring scrimmage. Because of the protective rules for quarterbacks, Thomas was limited in his opportunities to use his feet. Before last season, the Hokie play maker drew comparisons to 2010 Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton for his surprising breakaway speed at his size.
In addition to reestablishing his rhythm, Thomas needs help from his backfield. The Hokies ranked No. 79 in rushing offense last season.
It wasn’t all bad news for the Hokies. The defense resembled the Virginia Tech units of past that laid the foundation for Beamer’s many BCS bowl-contending teams. Beamer also landed a commitment from four-star defensive back prospect C.J. Reavis, per Fighting Gobbler.