Did you buy into the preseason hype regarding wide receiver Noah Thomas’s accedence up the depth chart? At this point, it doesn’t matter because Thomas has already provided an answer and then some after recording six receptions for 74 yards and three touchdowns in Texas A&M’s 2023 season-opening 52-10 victory over New Mexico on Saturday night.
After earning the Spring MVP award during Texas A&M’s spring football season in March, several Aggie media members, including myself, received intel that Thomas had not only continued to improve as a route runner but was by far the most dominant offensive player outside of starting quarterback Conner Weigman going into fall camp, which continued throughout August.
Developing a healthy repertoire with Weigman all offseason, the connection paid dividends against the Lobos, connecting on 15-yard, 34-yard, and 9-yard touchdowns, exhibiting the same sprinter speed and huge catch radius, all while standing at an intimidating 6-6, overwhelming nearly every defensive back who had the opportunity to cover him.
After the game, Thomas shared the spotlight with star wide receiver Evan Stewart, who led the team with eight receptions for 115 yards and two touchdowns on the night, noting that offense’s explosive performance in new offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino’s exciting Aggie debut but completely built on team mentality:
“We came in with a chip on our shoulder to prove to people we are capable of leading this offense.
“We love, trust and believe in each other. The coaches and players made it happen.”
This type of underdog mentality will only continue to aid the offense going forward. If this is the type of effort and performance we can expect from Noah Thomas throughout the 2023 campaign, it’s safe to say that Aggies fans can begin raising their expectations because, so far, this team looks the part.
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