Cougs Linebacker Kyle Thornton Embracing Veteran Role in 2024

Joe Londergan | Aug 1, 2024

Oct 16, 2021; Pullman, Washington, USA; Washington State Cougars linebacker Kyle Thornton (52) runs down field against the Stanford Cardinal in the second half at Gesa Field at Martin Stadium. The Cougars won 34-31. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports / James Snook-USA TODAY Sports

Lots of things are different about the 2024 college football season for the Washington State Cougars. One thing that will remain the same: linebacker Kyle Thornton leading the defensive efforts.

WSU began fall camp in Pullman this week, something that Thornton has been present for each of the previous five seasons. 2024 will be Thornton's second season under defensive coordinator Jeff Schmedding. Understandably, Thornton views that experience as an advantage, but more than that, he's hoping to use that experience to lift up his less experienced teammates, many of whom will likely see increased roles this season.

"I think with that time has definitely come some comfortability in the system...that just helps enable me to help out the young guys," Thornton told reporters following the first day of camp.

Last season, his first as the full-time starter, Thornton led the Cougars with 87 tackles, plus 4.5 tackles-for-loss, one sack and a pass break-up.

Now on his fourth defensive coordinator and his third head coach, Thornton doesn't seem rattled by the further change brought by WSU's conference situation. That calmness will likely help in ushering in WSU's next generation of players.

"To these freshman with these fall camp practices, there's a lot going on, a lot of moving parts...Just helping those guys like 'hey, I know it's a lot, but just follow me.' We'll get to where we need to go."

Washington State continues fall camp this week in preparation for their 2024 season opener against Portland State on August 31 at Martin Stadium.

Published Aug 1, 2024

JOE LONDERGAN

Joe Londergan joined the SI brand in 2023 with G5 Football Daily. With over 15 years of experience in covering and working directly in college and pro sports, Joe's expertise has been featured in Front Office Sports, SB Nation, and XRAY.FM. He is a member of both the Football Writers' Association of America and the National Collegiate Baseball Writers' Association. Joe holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Louisville and a master's degree in sports administration from Seattle University. Outside of his writing career, Joe enjoys golfing, although he admits that while he hits driver decently, his short game is a liability.