We caught up with cornerback Corey Thornton following Tuesday's practice. He basically stepped into a starting role from the time he arrived on campus in 2020. He was a limited a bit this past season though as he suffered a concussion in the Louisville game. He missed the next game against Navy and would end up starting in six of the 12 games he played in.
Cliff's from the interview:
As a junior, CT is trying to be more of a leader.
He wants to improve in tackling and press technique.
I asked about his favorite moment from last year. He said it happened late in the 24-7 win against Memphis when he made a fourth-down tackle.
"I had to finish. The whole defense was tired. The quarterback scrambled. I can't let him get outside. I had to make that play. It was a turnover on downs."
He is mentoring rising sophomore Brandon Adams.
Looking at the quarterbacks, CT says John Rhys Plumlee has good running ability as well as passing accuracy. He says Mikey Keene puts the ball in the right spot.
Mentioned Ryan O'Keefe, Flash and Jaylon Griffin as the standout wide receivers.
The goal is to be a better defense than last season.
