BOONE, N.C. — Appalachian State quarterback
Zac Thomas has headed from Boone to the Bayou to serve as a counselor for the prestigious Manning Passing Academy.
The academy, which is owned and operated by Archie, Peyton, Eli and Cooper Manning, runs from Thursday through Sunday at Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, La. Thomas and other high-profile college quarterbacks will work with campers in grades 8-12 throughout the four-day event.
Thibodaux is about one hour southwest of the Mercedez-Benz Superdome, where Thomas was named MVP of the 2018 R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl. His QBR of 79.8 in 2018 ranks ninth nationally among returning FBS quarterbacks, as he completed his first season as an App State starter with 2,039 passing yards, 504 rushing yards and a combined 31 touchdowns (21 through the air).
Thomas was named the Sun Belt Conference's Offensive Player of the Year last year, and he finished his redshirt sophomore season by throwing three touchdown passes and catching one in a 45-13 bowl victory against Middle Tennessee.
With
Eliah Drinkwitz entering his first season as App State's head coach, the Mountaineers will open their 2019 schedule with an Aug. 31 home game against East Tennessee State. Appalachian returns 10 of its 11 primary offensive starters from an 11-2 team in 2018.
