Noah Thomas Named 'One of the Best' Georgia Receivers

ATLANTA – It is no secret that last year, one of Georgia’s most inconsistent positions was receiver. The Bulldogs led the FBS in drops, didn’t have a consistent go-to option on third down. Then struggled at times to create separation or explosive plays.

After hitting the transfer portal to bring in more talent at the position, Georgia hopes those issues will go away. That is, even while they’ll have a first-year starting quarterback in Gunner Stockton.

He’s spent much of the offseason developing rapport with his new targets, like Zachariah Branch and Noah Thomas. Both were available to practice with Stockton throughout the spring.

“I think going through spring was a big deal and just having that time because it was about a month straight of work and practice, just getting a lot of banked reps,” Stockton said. “Having this offseason, throwing 7-on-7 and working out almost every day and spending a lot of time together has helped a lot.”

Thomas, the Texas A&M transfer, has been a standout thus far for Stockton.

“He’s been great. He brings a great positive energy. When he came up during spring, he didn’t complain or like do anything,” Stockton said of Thomas. “You know, he just came up and worked. He’s done a great job so far…. He’s one of the best and I can’t wait for him to play.”

Thomas transferred to Georgia in the winter after three seasons in College Station. When talking to the media in the spring following his move to Athens, his decision to go to Georgia was a credit to wide receivers coach James Coley.

“Coach Coley used to coach me at Texas A&M,” Thomas said. “I’ve got a great relationship with him. He’s a great dude, real genuine.”

His decision to leave College Station came despite being fresh off a career year. As a junior, he started in every game, totaling a team-best 574 yards and eight touchdowns on 39 catches.

At 6-foot-5 and 205 pounds, he gives Georgia another option at the X-receiver role. It was a position of need last season after the dismissal of Rara Thomas in August, then later the mid-season suspension of Colbie Young.

With Young back with the team and Thomas on the roster, Georgia now has two options at X. Both of whom bring size and the ability to go up and get the ball, an ability that was lacking a season ago.