2022 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Joshua Thornton, OL, Missouri S&T

• Name: Joshua Thornton
• Position: OL
• College: Missouri S&T
• Height: 6’4″
• Weight: 320 lbs
• Twitter: @jtank73
• Instagram: @jtank73 

1.What are your favorite things about playing football for Missouri S&T?

• My favorite thing about playing for Missouri S&T is my teammates and coaches. Everyone on our roster brings something unique about them to the team. We know how to have fun in the down time and we possess the ability to focus and lock in when we need to play ball.

2.What type of energy do you bring onto the football field?

• I like to stay focused. I’m not big on getting too hyped during pre-game. I bring a cool and collected style of energy to the field. I like to settle in and break down my opponent mentally and physically.

3.What should we know about Josh Thornton the person?

• Some key things about Joshua Thornton would be that I am very competitive because it brings the best out of me. The competitiveness in me will leave it all out on the field to win games and even down to winning each rep I take. I also know when to relax and when to lock in and be serious. There is a time and place for both.

4.What is your favorite workout?

• In the offseason I like to get in the pool. Whether that is swimming or doing a small pool workout. I also like to play basketball. It works my response muscles and is a fun way to condition. And finally I like to work on my OL craft, mainly adding new tools to stop pass rush moves.

5.What are your favorite moments from your football life?

• My most memorable moment in my football career would have been winning the Mineral Water Bowl in 2018 with MST. The Mineral Water Bowl was my first championship win and I received my 1st championship ring. I played 8 out of the 12 games on a torn ACL and meniscus.

6.If you could hang out with any football player past or present for a day, who and why?

• If I could hang out with any football player for a day, I would hang out with Marshal Yanda. I chose Yanda because growing up I had the opportunity to watch one of the best guards to ever play the sport and he dominated at the highest level. I believe there would be alot of things I could learn from him and it would be an amazing experience to learn from him.

7.What sets you apart from other offensive linemen?

• I believe what sets me apart from other OL is my understanding of the schemes of the game. The differences of scheme in the different run concepts (IZ vs OZ, gap vs man concepts) and what techniques to use to accomplish the outcomes I want.

8.What do you love about the game of football?

• Football has so many life lessons that you can learn throughout the years. It teaches you how to carry yourself and persevere through tough times. The relationships you build with your teammates and coaches last a lifetime, my best friends have come from football.

9.How do you prepare for games?

• I start by watching film throughout the week to find player tendencies or pick up on blitz or twist keys. As far as on game day, I usually listen to music after the team meal. When we get to the field, I put my cleats on and get a small warm-up on the field about 2 hrs before and then listen to music while getting dressed.

10.What would a team get in a player like you?

• I am a student of the game, I like to absorb all of the knowledge possible. I hold myself to a high standard on my technique and footwork. I play with an attitude, and like to get physical and nasty.

11.What are you looking forward to in your upcoming season?

• I am looking forward to playing with my teammates for one more season, many of these guys I have played with for 5 years. I would also like to win a GLVC conference championship. Making the playoffs would always be nice as well, since we missed the playoffs in 2018.

12.What made you decide you wanted to be a football player?

• When I moved to Texas when I was in the 3rd grade, they sent flyers home with the kids to join HYFL and I missed the sign-ups. So the following year I wanted to play football because all of the friends I made played the year before that.