2015 Georgia Tech Football Position Previews: Quarterback

Last Season

Justin Thomas went into the season as the starter, and start he did. All 14 games. Thomas, who was a RS Sophomore, had a remarkable season, and because of that coming into the season the expectations are set very high for him. Thomas was able to rush for over 1,000 yards over the course of the season, while also being very impressive in the passing game, throwing for 18 touchdown passes. Thomas also made the most of his limited throws, by having a 51 percent completion percentage. From his first start against Wofford, to the Win against Mississippi State in the bowl game, Thomas was able to grow into so much more than an athlete who just so happens to be able to throw the ball.

Joining Thomas on the roster at QB this past season were Matthew Jordan, Chase Martenson, Tim Byerly and Brady Swilling. Of those, only Byerly, a one-time transfer from Middle Tennessee State, got to see the field. Byerly appeared in six games, and held his own while there.

Look at the complete transformation Justin's game took on throughout the season, starting with the first game against Wofford:

...and finishing up with the Orange Bowl thrashing of Mississippi State:

This Season

Thomas grew into a leader after backing up Vad Lee in 2013, and has even been seen by some as a dark horse Heisman candidate. While the hype is deserved based on the statistics, and the eye test (which he clearly passes) it will be nearly impossible for a QB who runs the system Tech does to be able to gain the required exposure it takes to win the "Prestigious" award that has become more of a popularity contest in the past several years. When the post-spring depth chart was released, Thomas was named the starter, with Byerly being the backup. After playing QB last season, Brady Swilling has made the position change to BB, and is going to help give the offense more depth at the position. The rest of the backups from last year are still on the roster (Jordan and Martenson), and incoming freshman Christian Campbell has an impressive set of skills. (Campbell chose the Jackets over LSU in an impressive coup for CPJ and staff.) Look for the quarterback position to be one of our strongest -- if not the strongest -- position on the roster. Thomas leads this group, but Byerly and others are more than capable of contributing if given the chance. The future is bright at Georgia Tech, and the quarterback position is further evidence of that.

If you need any more convincing, here are some of the senior highlights from incoming freshman Christian Campbell, courtesy of Hudl: