Darron Thomas is tough. Masoli made a name for himself running over safeties and defensive backs, but did you see the block Thomas laid on Vontaze Burflict? Thomas is a football player. He had another key block on James' long run for a TD in the Tennessee game. It really lifts a team in film study to have their qb singled out for blocking downfield like that. Little things like that solidify his position as a leader on the field.
He showed the same toughness making a one-on-one tackle after an interception in the New Mexico game, and in standing in to make good throws under pressure, for touchdowns twice against UT, repeatedly against ASU.
He's taken shots, and never lost his composure.
There wasn't any doubt about his potential and upside, but courage and composure are something you can't coach, and something you can't be sure of until a quarterback takes live snaps under fire. Darron Thomas is a quality athlete, with the heart to lead a team.
No matter what the win-loss record winds up being, the coaches made an excellent choice.
I can't say whether the right call was made or not since I haven't gotten to see Costa start this year. The two people I know who see the Ducks practice tell me Costa is easily the better passer. If he has two downsides, they would be that he may not be as dynamic running the offense and he was a senior.
ReplyDeleteWhen I see Thomas I see a person learning on the job. He'll make rookie mistakes this year, but we're prepping him for next year or two. That's when we'll really see his game.
It may inspire the team in admiration for DT's play. I hope it inspires the O-line to block better for him.
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