Miami Hurricanes WR Jeff Thomas expects to be open more in 2019

Miami Hurricanes junior wide receiver and leading returning receiver Jeff Thomas expects to be more freed up this season than in 2018. One of the main reasons is the addition of graduate transfer WR K.J. Osborne.

Miami Hurricanes junior wide receiver Jeff Thomas had a mercurial season in 2018. Thomas led the Miami Hurricanes in receptions and receiving yards but missed the last two games of the season after being dismissed or left depending on who you listen to.

Thomas’ departure was expected to be permanent before Mark Richt announced his retirement. When Manny Diaz was promoted from defensive coordinator to replace Richt, Thomas was welcomed back to the Hurricanes about two months after initially leaving.

Thomas is the most explosive player Miami has on offense and special teams. His punt return touchdown against Virginia Tech in 2018 was epic. He is happy to be back and part of the Miami Hurricanes football program.

Thomas expects to have more opportunities in the Miami offense being run by new offensive coordinator Dan Enos and the addition of graduate transfer K.J. Osborn.

The opportunities, being grateful for being allowed back in Coral Gables and improvements Thomas have made in his game and skill set were discussed in a Tuesday column by Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald.

"“I’m more than pleased — than I’ve ever been — to come back…It was a great opportunity for Manny Diaz to allow me to come back and be part of this amazing program…I’m improving my hands…I’ve got to use my hands because DBs like to grab me.[{Miami WR coach Taylor} Stubblefield] has helped me a lot. I wasn’t a guy who does square cuts and speed cuts [before Stubblefield taught him that]. Square cuts have become my best friend now. I think I am going to be able to be freed up more than last year. That will be…good.Now we’ve got KJ Osborn and Mike Harley and all the other guys will help me get open. [I want to] pick people up, with the receivers, make sure everyone is doing what they’re supposed to be doing, on the same page and competing to the best of their ability.”"

Thomas was on pace to break the Miami Hurricanes season records for All-purpose and receiving yards through three games last season. Against LSU, Savannah State and Toledo Thomas had 11 receptions for 404 yards and two touchdowns and 553 All-Purpose yards. Thomas was mostly shut down a week later against FIU.

After playing well against Florida State, Thomas put up big numbers only once in his last five games of 2019. Stubblefield spoke with Jackson about what they have been working on.

"“There’s a difference between being skilled and athletic. When I looked at his film — and all the guys’ film — I saw athleticism. I did not see skill. What’s the difference? There are certain guys in the NFL that are extremely fast. That’s athleticism. Then there are certain guys in the NFL that are highly productive because they’re very skilled.”“He’s gotten better…It’s been fun to watch what you teach and they do it and are successful, because they kind of have a smile and it also creates validity for what you’re teaching. They’re like, ‘All right, I feel you.’” Your skill has to be what separates you from someone running a 4.3 and a 40-inch vertical.”"

Thomas has been able to get by on his speed in the past. If he can become the highly skilled receiver Stubblefield is looking for he can challenge to become All-ACC. Thomas nearly left Miami for Illinois in the offseason. He has been consistent with saying he never wanted to leave. Reports have speculated he was late for practice frequently.

Improving his skill set will benefit Thomas and the entire team. Thomas had seven drops in 2018 on a team full of them. The Hurricanes passing offense was one of the worst in FBS in 2018.

The Miami passing offense should improve in 2019 with Enos calling the plays. With Thomas, Osborn and Harley at wide receiver and Brevin Jordan and Will Mallory at tight end, Miami quarterback Jarren Williams has multiple options to throw to.