Former St. Francis wide receiver Gavin Thomson has announced his plans to become a Hornet with Sacramento State, reuniting with the newly hired head coach Brennan Marion for the third time in his college career. Gavin led St. Francis in all receiving categories last season and will be entering his seventh year of college football. Bringing experience, versatility, and proven production across the country to California.
His best performance came in a 23-17 upset win over Kent State, he caught five passes for 125 yards to go along with a touchdown in the program’s first-ever victory over an FBS opponent. Later in the season, he added a highlight-reel 46-yard diving touchdown against Mercyhurst. Gavin totalled 46 receptions for 726 yards and seven touchdowns on the year last season.
Before his time at St. Francis, Thomson spent a lone year at UNLV where he was unfortunately limited by injury. Prior to that, he walked on at Pitt, where he played for 4 seasons (2019- 2023.) Over his final three seasons with the Panthers, Thomson appeared in 18 games and contributed on both offense and special teams. His perseverance was recognized in a memorable team moment when NFL legend Dan Marino who is also a fellow alum of Pittsburgh Central Catholic announced that Thomson had earned a scholarship.
Thomson’s return to Sacramento State reunites him with a familiar face in Brennan Marion, who coached him as Wide Recivers Coach at Pitt and and an Offensive Coordinator at UNLV. Coach Marion is now the Hornets' head coach, his first head coaching position. He is also the creator of the Go-Go Offense, a mix of power football and modern spread principles that has found success and been catching the football world’s attention in recent years.
Gavin and Coach Marion are both Pittsburgh area native’s, Thomson was a standout receiver at Central Catholic High School well Coach Marion was a standout receiver at Greensburg-Salem High School. Now, one will look to be a key contributor in Sacramento State’s passing attack and the other will look to dominate his new role as a Head Coach this upcoming season.
