Alabama State University Athletics

Cedric Thornton is in his third year on the ASU coaching staff, the second as defensive coordinator/inside linebackers coach.

In his first season as coordinator, Thornton led one of the top defenses in the SWAC and the nation:
•    Scoring defense (18.6/ppg): 2nd in SWAC/12th in FCS
•    Total defense (317.4/ypg); 3rd in SWAC
•    Passing defense (165.7/ypg); 3rd in SWAC/18th in FCS
•    Pass efficiency defense (96.0 rating): 2nd in SWAC/5th in FCS
•    Takeaways – 35: 1st in SWAC/4th in FCS
•    Interceptions (19): Tied for first in SWAC/Tied for 5th in FCS
•    Fumble recoveries (16): Tied for 2nd in SWAC/Tied for 8th in FCS
•    Sacks  - (29): 2nd 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.

This marks Thornton’s first stint as a collegiate coach. After spending time playing in the NFL, he began his coaching career in the high school ranks.

A native of Jackson, Miss., 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 found 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 the father of one daughter, Kiara Threatt.