Michael Thornton

[AUChizad]

http://auburnundercover.com/news/articles/2009/9/11/four-star-lineman-holds-auburn-high-on-list

Four-star lineman has Auburn high on list

By Matt Nascone, Staff Writer
Posted Sep 11, 2009
Copyright © 2009 AuburnUndercover.com


Michael Thornton keeps Auburn high on his list

Auburn and Georgia are running neck-and-neck as leaders in the race to land four-star defensive tackle Michael Thornton.
Both schools have made Thornton, a 6-foot-1 and 273 pounds from Stone Mountain, Ga./Stephenson, a high priority, according to Stephenson coach Ron Gartrell.

“Georgia has rolled out the red carpet for him and Auburn has rolled out the red carpet for him,” Gartrell said. “He really likes what Coach (Mark) Richt has to offer and he likes what he hears from the coaches at Auburn.”

Gartrell said Thornton has not yet labeled one school as his favorite. He still wants to visit South Carolina.

Gartrell says he makes sure his players get all the information they need on the recruiting process, and he believes there is one way to feel comfortable about a commitment.

“Deciding on a school and making that final decision is comparable to a final exam,” Gartrell said. “You have to do your homework, study hard and make a decision. The decision is easier if you are not looking into the schools who are interested in you at the last minute. I try to stress that to my players.”

Gartrell says Thornton has listened to his advice and is taking his time.

“He told me he was not going to make a decision this summer,” Gartrell said. “He said he would make it during the season or maybe after the season. I haven't bothered him with that stuff, especially now that the season has started.”

Gartrell says he is confident Thornton will make the right choice for himself.

“He is a very mature kid, maybe even one of the most mature we have ever had here,” Gartrell said. “He has handled all this real well. We here at the school have helped him get everything in line. He is who he is, and he will make the right choice that fits him.”

Gartrell says whichever school gets Thornton will get an athlete who cares about more than football.

“When you look at him, you can tell he has all the tools to succeed on the football field,” Gartrell said. “But when you meet him, you find out that he has a warm and sincere personality. He has a genuine concern for this team and for his teammates. That is just amazing to have in such a talented athlete.”

[AUTiger1]

According to some things I have read at rivals, there has been some negative recruiting against us concerning Thornton.  Apparently his coach also believes this but neither he nor the kid are saying who.  It is believed to be UGA.  Now, I don't know if I believe it or not. Even if it was reported by one of the Mod's, but it would be nice if we could snag this kid.

[The Prowler]

I've heard the same things, in regards to someone doing some Negative recruiting against Auburn.  Apparently he was given or told some information about Auburn.  He has since contacted Auburn about what he was told and Auburn quickly corrected whatever the negative information was.  Now it seems that whoever told him the negative things that they've backfired and Thornton's bond with Auburn has grown stronger.  One can assume that it was either someone from South Carolina or Georgia, but I definitely wouldn't put it past another school, on the outside of his Top 3 or Top 5, that wouldn't want Thornton to be in the Orange and Blue for the next 4 or 5 years.

[Buzz Killington]

I've heard the same things, in regards to someone doing some Negative recruiting against Auburn.  Apparently he was given or told some information about Auburn.  He has since contacted Auburn about what he was told and Auburn quickly corrected whatever the negative information was.  Now it seems that whoever told him the negative things that they've backfired and Thornton's bond with Auburn has grown stronger.  One can assume that it was either someone from South Carolina or Georgia, but I definitely wouldn't put it past another school, on the outside of his Top 3 or Top 5, that wouldn't want Thornton to be in the Orange and Blue for the next 4 or 5 years.

C'mon man, don't leave us hanging.  Whoever do you think would resort to such tactics?  Ole Miss?  Miss. St.?

[AUTiger1]

C'mon man, don't leave us hanging.  Whoever do you think would resort to such tactics?  Ole Miss?  Miss. St.?

I wouldn't put much stock into, but for imagination sake, the grumblings at Scout and Rivals are Coach Rodney Garner at UGA or Lord Visor at South Carolina.  I can belive that their is negative recruiting going on anywhere, but I just don't know if I believe it to be one of these two or not.

[Kaos]

I wouldn't put much stock into, but for imagination sake, the grumblings at Scout and Rivals are Coach Rodney Garner at UGA or Lord Visor at South Carolina.  I can belive that their is negative recruiting going on anywhere, but I just don't know if I believe it to be one of these two or not.

Please tell me they didn't bring out the fraternity pictures again. 

The mom of a kid who verballed to us got several thousand faxed to her work about ten years ago.

[The Prowler]

I don't think it was UGA OR South Carolina....think a little further west.

[Pell City Tiger]

I don't think it was UGA OR South Carolina....think a little further west.

Vanderbilt?

I keeeeed.