Former Navy star describes challenge ahead of Justin Thomas

ajc.com

Credit: Ken Sugiura

Credit: Ken Sugiura

If Justin Thomas’ experience is anything like Keenan Reynolds’, the former Georgia Tech star would be wise to start taking extra care of his body.

Signed to the New Orleans Saints’ roster earlier this week, Thomas is beginning his transition from quarterback to wide receiver. Reynolds went through the process last year. He was a star quarterback at Navy before the Baltimore Ravens drafted him in the sixth round of the 2016 draft with the plan to turn him into a wide receiver.

Among the many lessons learned that perhaps Thomas will soon realize, too — playing wide receiver is taxing work.

“As an option quarterback, in practice you’re running, but you’re not running super full speed,” he said. “As a receiver, I’m running super full speed every play to get open. Stopping and starting, cutting takes a toll on your body.”

Photos: Looking back at the Georgia Tech career of Justin Thomas.