Biography: Two-year starter awarded all-Conference honors the last two years. Senior totals included 52/13/1.5 after 80/23/8.5 the prior year.

Positives: "Ultra-productive small school defender with average potential for the next level. Quick off the snap, displays a terrific first step, and fires through the gaps up the field. Fluid changing direction, displays the ability to make plays laterally, and gives effort."

Negatives: "Likes to talk on the field a little bit too much. Does not play with good pad level, gets tall, and makes himself an easy target for opponents. Must improve his balance."

Analysis: "Thornton's combination of size, movement skill and the ability to quickly change direction will get him consideration as a backup three-technique lineman."

Projection: 5-6