Khyri Thorton | Defensive End | Southern Miss | 6'3" - 304 lbs.
OVERVIEW
Played defensive tackle and fullback as a Florida prep. Attended Hargrave Military Academy in Virginia for one year. Originally committed to South Florida but was denied entry to the school despite meeting NCAA qualifying requirements. Enrolled instead at Southern Mississippi, redshirting in 2009. Played all 13 games in 2010 and recorded 17 tackles, five tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks. In 2011, he appeared in 14 games, starting seven at defensive tackle, and tallied 24 tackles, nine tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks with one pass batted and one forced fumble. Was Southern Miss primary defensive tackle in 2012, playing in 12 games (11 starts) and totaling 36 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss and one sack with one pass batted, one interception and one forced fumble. Started 11 games in 2013 and had 39 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss and one-half sack. In the Golden Eagles' home finale Nov. 23 against Middle Tennessee, he suffered a deep bone bruise to his right leg that caused some internal bleeding and was not able to play the following week. Team captain.
STRENGTHS Flashes shock in his hands. Solid anchor strength. Versatile and lines up all along the front. Flashes speed and short-area burst to flatten down the line and close to the ball. Three-year starter.
WEAKNESSES Has short arms and small hands. Could do a better job working off blocks, creating separation and protecting his legs. Tends to wear down and tire late in games and effort wanes. Needs to develop more pass-rush moves -- stays blocked too long. Relies too much on his upper-body strength. Can be late to locate the ball and needs to do a better job of feeling blocking pressure and anticipating. Misses a lot of tackles. Minimal sack production.
DRAFT PROJECTION Rounds 5-6
BOTTOM LINE Has the size, brute strength and enough agility to warrant interest as a developmental, rotational five-technique in an aggressize, zone-blitzing scheme such as the Jets, Ravens or Steelers. Versatility is a plus.
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