Thomas said afterward that Drinkwitz’s offense challenges him to stay in the pocket more.

The redshirt junior is a dual-threat quarterback, demonstrating that with a 2,000-yard passing, 500-yard rushing season in 2018. He still has the liberty to run, but he’s trying to use his weapons more.

During the offseason, part of his focus was spent on managing risk. He realized he sometimes can make plays with his legs. But other times — like when he left the Georgia Southern game last season with a concussion — he couldn’t.

Thomas said it’s helped his understanding of his position.

“I think we pride ourselves on that we have good receivers,” Thomas said. “They got to make the plays, and it’s a lot better when you put the ball in their hands and they make the plays instead of you.”

They’ve all benefited from a stout running game, spearheaded by Darrynton Evans. Evans has nine rushing touchdowns through the first four games. Against CCU, three App State running backs scored — Evans and Marcus Williams each had two, and Daetrich Harrington had one.