Cedric Thornton begins his first year as the defensive end coach at Alabama A&M University.
Thornton comes to Alabama A&M after serving two seasons as the defensive coordinator at Grambling State under head coach Hue Jackson.
While at Grambling State, Thornton coached defensive end Sundiata Anderson, who earned numerous Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) and national honors. In addition, he coached Keyshawn Johnson, a freshman defensive lineman, who received 2023 Stats Perform FCS Freshman All-American honors.
Prior to coming to Grambling State, Thornton developed and guided the Alcorn State defense to two SWAC Championships and a pair of Celebration Bowl Appearances.
While at Alcorn State, Thornton, who was promoted to Assistant Head Coach in 2019, saw his defense rank among the best in the nation in both interceptions (21) and turnovers gained (36). In the SWAC Championship, the Braves forced six turnovers including three interceptions. Additionally, Alcorn ranked fourth in the FCS in fumbles recovered (15), seventh in turnover margin (+0.92) and 7th in red zone defense (.689).
Thornton developed linebacker Solomon Muhammad into becoming a STATS FCS All-America Third-Team and HBCU All-America First-Team selection.
In 2018, Thornton’s defense ranked first in the FCS in both sacks per game (4.0) and tackles for a loss per game (9.5). The defense was also third in the country in rushing (91.2 ypg), eighth in total defense (291.4 ypg), 10th in red zone defense (.714), 18th in scoring defense (21.5 ppg), 22nd in third down percentage defense (.324) and 24th in interceptions (14).
Thornton coached a pair of 2018 HBCU All-Americans - defensive back Qwynnterrio Cole and defensive lineman Terry Whittington. Cole was also named to the HERO Sports Sophomore All-America Team. Thornton also coached five All-Conference First-Team selections on defense.
Prior to being promoted to defensive coordinator, Thornton spent two years at Alcorn as the linebackers coach.
As the linebackers coach, he developed Darien Anderson to becoming an HBCU All-American in 2016 and an All-Conference First-Team selection.
Thornton coached three All-Conference linebackers in two seasons. Under Thornton’s guidance, Anderson and All-SWAC Second-Team honoree Michael Hurns combined for 159 tackles in 2016. This past season, Trae Ferrell was tabbed to the Second-Team and was top-10 in the FCS in fumbles recovered.
Additionally, Thornton heavily aided in the Braves ranking first in the conference and in top-five in the country in red zone defense with a 64.5 percent mark.
It was the second year in a row that he coached an All-Conference selection as Trae Ferrell was tabbed to the Second-Team this past season.
Prior to Alcorn, Thornton was the defensive coordinator at Alabama State. He had the Hornets ranked 12th in the FCS in scoring defense and 18th in passing defense. Thornton also spent three seasons as the linebackers coach at Texas Southern.
In his first season as coordinator at Alabama State, Thornton led one of the top defenses in the SWAC and the nation:
• Scoring defense (18.6/ppg): second in SWAC/12th in FCS
• Total defense (317.4/ypg); third in SWAC
• Passing defense (165.7/ypg); third in SWAC/18th in FCS
• Pass efficiency defense (96.0 rating): second in SWAC/fifth in FCS
• Takeaways – 35: first in SWAC/4th in FCS
• Interceptions (19): Tied for first in SWAC/Tied for fifth in FCS
• Fumble recoveries (16): Tied for second in SWAC/Tied for eighth in FCS
• Sacks - (29): second in SWAC
Thornton’s teams held seven of its opponents to less than 20 points, including a shutout of Savannah State, the Hornets’ first official shutout since 1994.
After spending time playing in the NFL, he began his coaching career in the high school ranks.
A native of Jackson, Mississippi, Thornton graduated from ASU with a degree in recreational therapy in 1996. Thornton played football at Alabama State (1991-95) before moving on to a professional career with the Jacksonville Jaguars. After playing for the Jags, Thornton began his coaching career at Sidney Lanier High School in Montgomery.
Thornton helped to fund the varsity team at Andrew Jackson High (2002-03), serving as defensive coordinator. He was named defensive coordinator at Raines High in Jacksonville, Fla., the next season. He later became Raines’ head coach and was twice recognized as Coach of the Week by the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Thornton is married to Arkansas-Pine Bluff head women’s basketball coach Dawn Thornton and the couple has one child, Camden Lyon Thornton.
