Georgia Tech Football: Top 6 quarterbacks in Yellow Jackets history

Dec 31, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets quarterback Justin Thomas (5) scores a touchdown against the Mississippi State Bulldogs in the second half of the Orange Bowl game at Sun Life Stadium. Georgia Tech defeated the Bulldogs 49-34. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports /

4 of 7

No. 4 – Justin Thomas (2013-16)

Perhaps the most capable of all Paul Johnson quarterback recruits at Georgia Tech so far, Justin Thomas bailed on Nick Saban and Alabama for a chance to prove himself behind center.

Thomas played backup to Vad Lee in his freshman season, but Lee’s transfer opened the door wide open for Thomas to start in 2014, and he certainly made the most of it.

His sophomore year Tech went 11-3 and brought an Orange Bowl trophy home from Miami. Justin Thomas was named MVP in that bowl game, and finished the season with very similar numbers to Josh Nesbitt’s Orange Bowl year with 1,719 yards passing and 1,086 yards rushing.

After a down season in 2015, Thomas and the Yellow Jackets bounced back in 2016 with nine wins and a bowl win over Kentucky. He finished his career with 4,649 yards and 40 scores through the air, and 2,370 yards and 21 touchdowns on the ground. Thomas also never threw more than eight interceptions in a single season at Tech.