One of the more underrated pass-rushers and overall outside linebackers across the state, Thornton didn’t play like your typical junior last season for Cairo. The small-town defender explodes off the snap and knows how to hunt down the quarterback in the backfield. He already looks like a Power Four player at 6-foot-5 200-pounds who should continue to put on more weight and muscle over time. He’s coming off an outstanding junior season where he tackles everything in sight, securing 91 tackles, 20 TFLs and eight sacks. His recruitment will take off soon and he’s likely bound for an even bigger season as a senior in 2026.

One of the more underrated pass-rushers and overall outside linebackers across the state, Thornton didn’t play like your typical junior last season for Cairo. The small-town defender explodes off the snap and knows how to hunt down the quarterback in the backfield. He already looks like a Power Four player at 6-foot-5 200-pounds who should continue to put on more weight and muscle over time. He’s coming off an outstanding junior season where he tackles everything in sight, securing 91 tackles, 20 TFLs and eight sacks. His recruitment will take off soon and he’s likely bound for an even bigger season as a senior in 2026.