Instant analysis: Ray Thornton signs with Clemson

TigerNet Staff · Correspondent · Wednesday, December 19 2018

Ray Thornton - Safety
TigerNet: (3.36)

Height: 6-2 Weight: 198 Hometown: Phenix City, AL (Central HS) Class: 2019

ESPN:

#41 S, #19 AL

Rivals:

#51 DB, #20 AL

24/7:

#74 S, #33 AL

A "dream" came true for Phenix City. Alabama safety Ray Thornton on Wednesday, adding another piece to the future Tigers’ secondary.

More on Thornton...

Ray Thornton - 3-star safety - Phenix City, Ala.

Committed since: 6/22/18.

Recruiter: Todd Bates.

Listed size: 6-2 198.

Early enrollee

Brings to Clemson: Thornton was a playmaker patrolling the secondary on a 13-0 Central (Ala.) state title team. In the undefeated run, Thornton showed quick play-recognition and the ability to close in fast on the big hit or interception. While not among the highest rated in his class (ranked as high as the No. 41 safety), Thornton is an athlete who can fit into a defensive system that is no stranger to playing DB-heavy packages.

Depth chart fit: Clemson coaches are eyeing Thornton as a versatile piece of the defensive puzzle, where he can play safety as well as nickel. While Thornton will have the extra practice time as an early enrollee, there may not be the pressure to see more than the four games with a redshirt. The entire 2018 safety depth chart could be back in Tanner Muse, K’Von Wallace, Nolan Turner and Denzel Johnson.

Number to know: 2 - Thornton is a second Central (Ala.) product on the Tigers now, joining former 5-star receiver Justyn Ross.