MISSOULA – Bobby Hauck has developed relationships all over the west in his years as a college coach. This week he’ll see a familiar quarterback lining up on the other side of the line.
Sacramento State’s Kevin Thomson was originally recruited to UNLV by Hauck and his offensive coordinator Timm Rosenbach. Thomson redshirted in Hauck’s last year in charge of the Rebels. The Washington native stayed one more year in Las Vegas before transferring to find playing time.
Thomson has landed on his feet in Sacramento. He broke a Hornets season record for quarterback efficiency last year (171.80), has a 7-4 record as a starter and has only thrown three interceptions in 11 games. Plus, he is a dangerous runner that can hurt defenses with his legs.
Overall, he has completed 57 percent of his passes for 2,473 yards and 21 touchdowns, while running for 551 yards and nine scores.
“He’s a good athlete. He’s got good speed. He likes to run it,” said Hauck. “He throws it well. I don’t think he gets credit for being as good of a thrower as he is because he is a good athlete. It’s fun, kind of, to see a guy you know and watch him on film in prep time we had yesterday and this morning and see how he has evolved as a player. I’m proud of him for becoming the player he is.”
Thomson is also the fourth consecutive fifth-year senior that will start at quarterback against the Grizzlies. Hauck said he’s never seen that kind of streak before. His former recruit will test his young defense at 1 p.m. Saturday in Washington-Grizzly Stadium.
