Jayden Thomas Confident & Ready to Ascend in Notre Dame Offense

The slot fade has been a route Notre Dame has frequently used this year with multiple receivers. 

Jayden Thomas got his turn on Saturday and responded with the catch of the weekend as he hooked with Drew Pyne for a 30-yard touchdown. 

The catch was impressive, but the mentality Thomas went into the air with might be more impressive, as it bodes well for the future. 

"Just a little slot fade," recalled Thomas. "Drew gave me a chance and I went over the guy and scored. 

"It's just the mindset of mine. I feel like, the guys in the room, any ball in the air is ours, or nobody catches it. At the end of the day, it's not a 50-50 ball, it's our ball. It has our logo on it, so it's ours."

The 6-foot-1, 215-pounder has six catches on the year, but over the last two games, Thomas has recorded five catches for 98 yards and a score. 

Did something click for Thomas over the last two games? Not according to the Georgia native. 

"I really don't think there's a big difference," said Thomas. "Just when my number's called, I'm out there to make a play and that's what I'm going to do. Whenever the ball is thrown my way, I'm making a play." 

The Irish offense has needed a receiver to step up alongside Lorenzo Styles and Thomas did just that on Saturday. In addition to his 30-yard score, Thomas recorded a 32-yard catch and run in the fourth quarter. 

"I feel like that's a major key to the game," stated Thomas. "The first down I got was a really pivotal play, moving the chains. That's what we have to do - yards after the catch. I always strive to do that.

"One person shouldn't be able to bring us down. That's how we all feel in the receiver room. Getting the extra yards after the catch is very important for us." 

Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman first heard about Thomas a year ago and the sophomore receiver continued that momentum on the practice field over the last 10 months despite the game production not being there through the first three games. 

"I think of my time with Jayden last year as the defensive coordinator, and I didn't know much about him, but throughout the course of the year, I keep hearing about this Jayden Thomas, and he's big, physical, runs great routes," Freeman explained. "As we got into the spring, same thing, and fall camp. 

"But the production wasn't there. He's having great practices, but the production is not there. What you're finally starting to see is he had three catches, but they were big catches. He is probably one of our best route runners and can be one of our best receivers and playmakers on offense." 

Thomas' ascension is exactly why Freeman ramped up the intensity in practice and stressed the importance of practicing well during the week.

"He's got to continue to do it in a game because he's practicing at a high level," Freeman said. "He's one of those guys practicing at a high level. When you see a guy that's playing a lot, maybe doesn't have a production in the games, but is still playing a lot, that means he's earning that trust and practice. 

"Jayden has been a guy that's practicing high level. I think what you're seeing now is the results of that in the game." 

It's never easy for a freshman to adjust to a new role, which often includes a lack of playing time in year one. 

Yet Thomas went to work and knew his hard work would pay off down the line. 

"Embrace it every day," Thomas said of practice. "Why? Just my background. My parents raised me where if you want something, it isn't just going to be handed to you. Nothing in this life is given to you, so work hard. It's an early mindset my parents instilled in me." 

Practicing hard and embracing Tuesday-Thursday is one thing, but getting everything to click and make sense is another animal. 

For Thomas, the offense started to click last year and led him to believe the work was paying off.

"Last year, whenever I started to pick up the offense more," explained Thomas. "I felt more confident. Confidence is a big thing in an offense, especially receiver, being able to know where you are, what routes you've got to run, how to get open and what technique to use." 

Offensive coordinator Tommy Rees is also focused on building confidence in Thomas as he’s seen players start to take off when given a little boost. 

"He's focused on doing the little things, so it's always great to see that work and pay dividends for a young player,” said Rees. “When guys start to build confidence, their games can go to the next level. We're hoping to continue to build some confidence in JT." 

Thomas has tasted success against North Carolina and BYU, but don't think he's satisfied or feels like he's arrived. 

Receivers coach Chansi Stuckey continues to push the receiver room to never feel satisfied and Thomas has taken it to heart. 

"There's always room to improve," stated Thomas. "I wouldn't say pleased at al. We've got a saying, 'choose hard.' You're never satisfied. Whatever you do, your skill set can get better regardless, whether it's in the classroom, being a better person or football player.

"Stuck does a good job of keeping us on our toes and teaching us new techniques and stuff like that. There's always room for growth and improvement." 

And yes, Thomas did allow him to enjoy the moment as his family was in the building to see his touchdown in Las Vegas. 

"It's definitely up there for sure, my first collegiate touchdown with my mom watching, my whole family," said Thomas. "At the end of the day, it's football. I've been playing since I was 4. The only thing that's different is I'm older when I did it." 

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