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The Numbers
- 20 receptions
- 228 yards
- 1 touchdown
Regression is mean. It happens all too frequently and can crush hopes before they have even begun to formulate. While the regression that hit Thomas Geddis in 2018 was not of epic proportions, it was certainly still disappointing.
Geddis established himself as the No. 2 wide receiver on the roster following noted improvements in 2017 when he caught 29 passes for 388 yards and three touchdowns. He did that despite having to compete for targets with Kahlil Lewis and Devin Gray, who were both above him on the depth chart. Those numbers weren’t earth-shattering by any means, but considering Gray was graduating, they made it seem like Geddis was poised for a full scale breakout.
The opportunity, at least in terms of playing time, was there for the junior wide receiver last fall. However, despite starting in 10 games and appearing in 12 overall, Geddis took a large step backward. On a roster where many wideouts struggled to get going early on, Geddis was limited to 20 catches for 228 yards and a touchdown. His 11.4 yards per reception average was a career-low and he only had multiple receptions four times. Considering the gains he made in 2017, this production was not what the Cincinnati Bearcats were hoping to see.
The Best of the Best
Sept. 29 at UConn
In the first four weeks of the season, Geddis tallied four total catches. He finally got back on track with five receptions in UC’s American Athletic Conference opener. Those only led to 45 yards (9.0 yards per reception), but at least he was able to get open more frequently.
Oct. 27 at SMU
Once again, Geddis didn’t rack up a huge yardage total, but he caught five passes all the same. This and the UConn game marked the only times he had more than two receptions.
For Next Year
If Geddis had maintained the trajectory he set in 2017, we would be talking about his status as the heir apparent to the No. 1 wideout post following the departure of Kahlil Lewis. However, when you combine Geddis’ disappointing 2018 with the rising stock of guys like Rashad Medaris and Jayshon Jackson, its clear that there is a lot of work to be done. Geddis can still be an important factor in the passing game, but he has to work on getting separation and finding open spaces a bit more frequently. The opportunity should be there for him to get back on track. It will be up to him to capitalize.