Touchdown-machine Tavion Thomas returning to Utah in 2022
Tavion Thomas says he has unfinished business.
And if there’s business left to finish after a Rose Bowl campaign, a Pac-12 title, and an individual rushing effort that was one of the best in the conference, Utah is getting back a man on a mission. The Utes’ tailback announced on Twitter he’s coming back for the 2022 season.
Respect my decision. #9THEONE pic.twitter.com/MtzI7djIgs
— Tavion.Thomas (@thiagoothomas9) January 6, 2022
“This last year has been nothing short of a blessing,” Thomas wrote on Twitter. “I have unfinished business here in Utah. It’s important to me that I get my degree, and show kids where I’m from that it doesn’t matter what your circumstances are. You can do anything you put your mind to.
“I love this city, I love these fans, and I’m looking forward to putting on the red and white for one more year.”
After two years at Cincinnati and a year at Independence C.C. before arriving in Salt Lake City, Thomas could have jumped to the NFL after a superb season at Utah.
He broke the program’s single-season rushing touchdowns record with 20 through 12 games. He finished the year with 21 scores, the second-most in the country.
His 1,108 yards were the fourth-most in the Pac-12. His 36 explosive runs tied for the most among Pac-12 running backs. His 62 missed tackles forced were the second-most in the league, per PFF’s data.
Utah went 10-4 and won the Pac-12 in dominating fashion. Another year with Thomas in the backfield should be a fun one.