Draft Scout Snapshot: A closer look at the Colts' picks: Round 3/86 - Hugh Thornton, G/T, 6-3, 320, Illinois...Versatile offensive lineman who is expected to play guard. Started most of last season at offensive tackle for the Illini but will get a long look at guard for Indy. Colts targeted Thornton early. Was recruited to Illinois and coached by current offensive line coach Joe Gilbert. - The Sports Xchange
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Draft Scout Hugh Thornton News
04/28/13 - A closer look at the Colts' picks: Round 3/86 - Hugh Thornton, G/T, 6-3, 320, Illinois...Versatile offensive lineman who is expected to play guard. Started most of last season at offensive tackle for the Illini but will get a long look at guard for Indy. Colts targeted Thornton early. Was recruited to Illinois and coached by current offensive line coach Joe Gilbert. - The Sports Xchange
04/28/13 - Indianapolis did not have a selection in the second round after trading with Miami for cornerback Vontae Davis last season. The Colts, however, did add former Illinois offensive guard Hugh Thornton (6-3, 330) in the third round. Thornton can also play offensive tackle. He started 11 games at left offensive tackle for the Illini last season.
Thornton was recruited to Illinois and coached at Illinois by Colts offensive line coach Joe Gilbert. "That communication, that knowledge, that relationship between player and coach is invaluable," said Colts coach Chuck Pagano. Colts general manager Ryan Grigson on the addition of Thornton: "Hugh Thornton was targeted since we got up (Friday) morning. Excited that he was still there." - The Sports Xchange
03/08/13 - 2013 Illinois Pro Day: Representatives from 27 NFL teams gathered at Illinois’ pro day, where 15 players worked out. Hugh Thornton, G - He also kept his numbers from the combine, and weighed 322 at the pro day. He had a very good positional workout. - Gil Brandt, NFL.com
02/21/13 - Offensive linemen are expected to take on and fend off 300-pound rushers on each snap. And for Illinois Hugh Thornton, his wrestling background has helped develop his physical ability on the football field. “I think wrestling definitely has an influence on how I play,” Thornton said. “It's physical, it's one-on-one, it's domination, and it's why I play the offensive line.”
Thornton was a two-time Idaho state heavyweight wrestling champion as a sophomore and junior in high school. He moved to Oberlin, Ohio for his senior season of football and also finished third in the state of Ohio in wrestling at heavyweight. “I could have played defensive line in college, but at offensive line there is nothing like locking someone out and as hard as they want to get past you, they can't because you have good hips, good stability, good base. And all that stuff I learned in wrestling.”
Thornton, who is currently NFLDraftScout.com's No. 8 ranked guard and is projected to be a fifth round pick, also is receiving advice for former teammate guard Jeff Allen, who was a second round pick last year. “He texted me this morning and told me to enjoy the process and if I have any questions just ask him,” Thornton said. “He's one of my best friends. And if I can get drafted in the second round I'd be happy as well.” - Dane Brugler, NFLDraftScout.com
01/24/13 - 2013 Senior Bowl, OLine, Three up...Three down...3. Hugh Thornton, Illinois (6-3 ¼, 313 pounds). The poor guy got whipped by Datone Jones in Monday's practice and hasn't had a good day since. Thornton has been pushed around a lot and doesn't seem to have a lot of muscle to contain oncoming pass rushers. A positive: His upper body is wide and has room to add muscle. - Dave Richard, CBSSports.com
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