UTAH UTES
Will Tavion Thomas Play This Weekend?
Oct 5, 2022, 2:43 PM
Tavion Thomas #9 of the Utah Utes celebrates after scoring a rushing touchdown against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the second quarter in the Rose Bowl Game at Rose Bowl Stadium on January 01, 2022 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
(Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY- It’s no secret that running back Tavion Thomas has been a big part of Utah football’s offensive identity since last season. It’s also no secret that he’s been rather absent the first part of the season.
For you auntie 😩💔🙏🏾 https://t.co/1y4SnwTCeL
— Tavion.Thomas (@thiagoothomas9) September 18, 2022
Much like last year, it’s taking Thomas time to get into the full groove of the season. Last season fumbles were the primary reason that Thomas didn’t see more snaps early on in the year. This year is a little bit of a different story. Thomas has remarkable talent, and an even more remarkable story as to how he came to find himself with the Utes. However, sometimes those remarkable stories come with issues that need to be worked through.
More Accountability = More Play Time
Head coach Kyle Whittingham recently said Thomas needs to show more accountability off the field before he starts seeing more time on it. On top of that, Thomas has also been been dealing with the sudden, and shocking death of his beloved aunt who helped to raise him. Needless to say Thomas’ head hasn’t been completely where it needs to be for a multitude of reasons which would explain why he hasn’t been as big of a focal point so far in 2022.
Beat all odds 💯 pic.twitter.com/lfA207Ie7l
— Tavion.Thomas (@thiagoothomas9) September 22, 2022
The good news is that it sounds like Thomas has been putting in the work and if he continues that trend, will be featured more in Utah’s offense. Whittingham said in his press conference this past Monday that things have been going well and fans could see more of Thomas in Utah’s upcoming trip to Pasadena to take on the 18th ranked UCLA Bruins.
“He’s been on track and barring any setbacks this week you should see him more and more as the weeks go on,” Whittingham said. “Again, barring any setbacks, and being consistent.”
Thomas accounted for 21 touchdowns last season for Utah and 1,108 yards. So far in 2022 he has four touchdowns and 295 yards, but could extend those stats by a lot if he continues to do what is needed of him on and off the field. If he can keep on the path the coaches want him to stay on, and find his mojo again, Thomas has the potential to add a missing element to the Utes’ offense that would take it to another level.
Only time will tell what exactly happens with Thomas, but for the here and now, everything sounds like it is trending in a positive direction at just the right moment before Utah hits its most important stretch of the season.
