Season in Review: Thomas Geddis

The Numbers

• 29 receptions
• 388 yards
• 3 touchdowns
• 7 kickoff returns
• 17.9 yards per return

One of the more critical position battles last summer was for the No. 3 wide receiver spot. Thomas Geddis was projected to win and he definitely did. In fact, when you look at the final numbers, he was actually the No. 2 wideout (based on receptions) due to a big scoop of regression for Devin Gray.

The 6’5” sophomore from Pompano Beach, Fla. made an early statement, catching four passes for 48 yards and a touchdown in the season opener against Austin Peay. But then he was held without a single catch against Michigan, which certainly diluted his work from the previous week. Geddis actually had three games in which he did not record a catch (Marshalll and East Carolina were the others), but he still played in 11 games and finished the year with 29 receptions, which was more than anyone besides Kahlil Lewis. Yes, even more than Gray, who beat Geddis in yards (444-388), but did so on 28 receptions.

Geddis’ 13.4 yards per reception average was solid and was indicative of his role as more of a possession receiver, which the Bearcats needed in replacing Nate Cole. Geddis also scored three touchdowns on the campaign, which tied him for second among Bearcats with Gray.

Perhaps there would have been more production to be had for Geddis if he didn’t have to pull double duty and contribute on special teams. He was primarily used on kickoffs as an alternate returner to Michael Warren, who was better in the role anyway. Geddis averaged 17.9 yards per return, while Warren averaged 23.1.

The Best of the Best

Aug. 31 vs. Austin Peay

As I noted above, Geddis had a strong start to the 2017 season. He added a 24-yard kickoff return to his 48 yards and a touchdown through the air.

Sept. 16 at Miami (Ohio)

Following a largely silent game against Michigan, Geddis came in to catch what was then a career-high five passes, which he turned into 52 yards.

Nov. 25 vs. UConn

Geddis has made it a habit of playing his best in the final game of the season. He had a personal best 104 yards and a touchdown on three catches in the 2016 regular season finale against Tulsa. In 2017, he finished the year with another career-high, this time in receptions (six) while picking up a season-high 65 yards.

For Next Year

Geddis and Gray ended up competing for the moniker of No. 2 receiver in 2017. As 2018 rolls around, Geddis will have that title all to himself. He has certainly produced some strong games, but they have been too infrequent. Creating some consistency and improved chemistry with Hayden Moore (or whoever plays quarterback next season) should be at the top of his to-do list. It would also be good to see him be a full-time receiver and no longer spend time on special teams. Either way, Geddis will get more looks since Kahlil Lewis can’t be targeted every play.