Brian Thomas Jr. was one of college football’s most explosive deep-threat receivers during his junior and final season at LSU. 12 of his 17 touchdowns scored in 2023 went for at least 20 yards, ranking tied for first in the FBS in that category.
Fittingly, Thomas’ first in-game reception as a member of the Jacksonville Jaguars went long.
Late in the first quarter of Jacksonville’s Saturday preseason opener against Kansas City, backup quarterback C.J. Beathard launched a pass down the left sideline and connected with the rookie Thomas for a 41-yard gain.
Beathard underthrew the pass, but Thomas adjusted and fought through contact by Chiefs cornerback Joshua Williams to make the play. Watch a clip of the highlight grab below.
BTJ gonna be a problem!@BrianThomas_11 | #KCvsJAX on CBS pic.twitter.com/CVCGPyoKZV
— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) August 10, 2024
Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence complimented Thomas on Thursday for how quickly he has learned Jacksonville’s offensive scheme, suggesting the rookie receiver has gained confidence throughout training camp with continual reps.
“I think he’s done a great job of kind of adapting and changing his role from day-to-day or even from play-to-play,” Lawrence said about Thomas.
“I think he’s done a great job of learning that because that’s something that you don’t really do as much in college. The schemes are just way different, the offenses are way different. He’s a really smart guy, like I’ve said in the spring, so he’s picked it up quickly.”
Over three seasons and 38 games with LSU, Thomas caught 127 passes for 1,897 yards and 24 touchdowns.