Washington State Cougars On SI

Washington State Linebacker Kyle Thornton Recognized As Walk-On of the Week

Joe Londergan

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-Imagn Images
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-Imagn Images / James Snook-Imagn Images
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Last week, the Washington State Cougars moved to 4-0 on the season with a 54-52 double-overtime victory against San Jose State. Redshirt senior linebacker Kyle Thornton was instrumental late in the win, with ten total tackles and a fourth quarter interception. For his efforts, Thornton was named Co-Walk-On of the Week by the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation. South Florida receiver Sean Atkins also received that honor this week.

Thornton is currently the WSU defense's leading tackler with 23 total tackles.

The Burlsworth Trophy is awarded annually to the best college football player who began his career as a walk-on. Last season, Thornton finished the season as a semifinalist for the award with 87 total tackles.

Washington State's season continues this Sturday against the Boise State Broncos at Albertsons Stadium at 7 PM PT.

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Joe Londergan
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.

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