Latest news with #ThorntonJr.
USA Today
02-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Dont'e Thornton Jr. scheduled to visit Titans ahead of 2025 NFL draft
Dont'e Thornton Jr. scheduled to visit Titans ahead of 2025 NFL draft A 2025 NFL draft prospect and former Vol is drawing interest from the state's NFL team. According to Turron Davenport of ESPN, former Vols' wide receiver Dont'e Thornton Jr. is scheduled for a top 30 visit with the Titans on April 15. "Per source, Titans have a top 30 visit with Tennessee WR Dont'e Thornton on April 15," Davenport said. "At 6-5, Thornton ran a 4.30 at the combine and it shows up on film." Top 30 visits allow for NFL franchises to learn more about prospects in order to gauge how well they fit within their organizations. The Titans were impressed by Thornton Jr.'s 40-yard dash at the NFL scouting combine, which he completed in 4.30 seconds. Thornton Jr. began his collegiate career under head coach Mario Cristobal at Oregon. He finished 2021 with nine receptions and provided depth in 2022, recording 17 receptions and 366 yards. Thornton Jr. transferred to Tennessee ahead of the 2023 season. His production became critical in the wake of teammate Bru McCoy's injury. 2024 was Thornton Jr.'s best season, finishing the year with 661 receiving yards on 26 receptions and six touchdowns.
USA Today
12-03-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Three takeaways from Tennessee's 2025 pro day
Three takeaways from Tennessee's 2025 pro day Tennessee held its 2025 pro day at Anderson Training Center Tuesday. Former Vols James Pearce Jr., Omarr Norman-Lott, Elijah Simmons, Dylan Sampson and Dont'e Thornton Jr. participated in various components of Tennessee's pro day after attending the NFL scouting combine. Additional Tennessee pro day participants included defensive lineman Omari Thomas, linebacker Eli Purcell, safety Will Brooks, long snapper Matthew Salansky and offensive linemen John Campbell Jr., Cooper Mays, Javontez Spraggins, Andrej Karic and Dayne Davis. Of Tennessee's participants, Pearce Jr., Thornton Jr. and Sampson addressed media following their drills. Three of the most important moments from their media availabilities are below. James Pearce Jr. discusses character As the NFL draft approaches April 24-26, Pearce Jr. discussed his character following Tennessee's pro day. "(I want teams to know) that I'm a great guy, a great teammate, great player, people person and that I have a good heart," Pearce Jr. said. Dylan Sampson showcases health, receiving ability One of the many problems that led to Tennessee's downfall against Ohio State in the College Football Playoff was an injury at running back with Sampson. He discussed his recovery following pro day. "For one, I hope everybody sees that I am healthy and moving well," Sampson said. "I also wanted to show my receiving capabilities, show I can run routes and catch the ball naturally." Dont'e Thornton Jr. displays speed, verticality Thornton Jr. was quick to suggest the best comparison to himself among current NFL wide receivers being Nico Collins. Both Thornton Jr. and Collins are taller receivers who are capable of being explosive with downfield speed. "I'm a bigger receiver, but I would also say I'm versatile as I can play both inside and outside," Thornton Jr. said. "That's the main attraction for a lot of teams."
