Interview: 2019 Upland LB Kyle Thornton Gets It Done On and Off the Field

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

While Class of 2019 linebacker Kyle Thornton may be a gentleman and a scholar off the field, watching him crush running backs throughout the 2018 season would suggest something entirely different. The 6-2, 225-pound, defender is coming into his own for Upland helping the Highlanders to a 12-2 record after capturing a California Division II Open Championship on Saturday.

In a grouping of linebackers that includes five-star 2020 talent Justin Flowe and emerging 2021 standout Jonathan Flowe, Thornton is manning the inside with authority and more than holding his own. In stats posted through 13 games, Thornton has delivered with 74 tackles, 43 solo, two tackles for a loss, three sacks, five QB hurries, one interception, one pass broken up, and one forced fumble playing the strong-inside linebacker role. If that is not enough, he also doubles on offense as a blocking tight end stepping up in a big way for his first receiving touchdown of the season against Rancho Verde, the go ahead score in the big game.

The stats for Thornton have been compiled against some of California’s marque programs including La Habra, Mission Viejo, and Rancho Cucamonga with a playoff run through Heritage, Norco, Calabasas, and Rancho Verde. The 24-13 win over Rancho Verde clinched the Division II trophy putting the Highlanders in the Championship Bowl Game against Division III winner Sierra Canyon on Saturday.

As impressive as Thornton has been against the run and in coverage, perhaps his work in the classroom is even more noteworthy. Thornton carries a 4.25 GPA and has scored a 1300 on the SAT.

In an RNG exclusive, I sat down with one of the overlooked Class of 2019 defenders in the Golden State to learn more about his game with insight on the big win over Rancho Verde.

Interview

Kyle, Upland has been an amazing run all season, especially through the playoffs. What has it been like for you going up against all these top teams coming out with a Division-II Southern Section title on Saturday?

“To be honest, it has been a blessing. Going against the different top teams and the adversity we’ve been through, Justin (Flowe) was unavailable for the middle playoffs games Norco and Calabasas… our defense has been playing really well. After our lost to Rancho Cucamonga (34-20), we battled back and locked down to reaffirm we are the best defense in Division II. It has been awesome going up against all the big schools letting them know what Upland football is all about.”

How did the title game against Rancho Verde go for you personally?

“It was really good. I scored my first touchdown as an Upland Highlander on offense. On defense, we had a solid game. For me, I had a better second half. We knew that their starting QB was down and one of their good receivers was not full-speed. We knew they would come and do some tricky things. We got the job done. We gave up a quick early TD but shut it down for only one more the rest of the way.”

How did you score your TD?

“We ran a trick play. They leaked me out on the backside, I was wide open from the 10-yard line and walked in for the score. It was in the third quarter. We had kicked two field goals up to that point and were down 7-6. When my number was called, I knew I had to respond.”

What was the emotion after the clock rolled triple-zeroes and you guys were the champs?

“Man! I cannot even describe or put into words. The relief from winning after all the hard work put in over the past months from spring ball. The work we have put into it for it to come to fruition was an amazing feeling. It was all I thought it would be to come home with the ring.”

Of all the playoff games, which one was your best and why do you consider it to be your best?

“Of all the games, I think the Heritage game was my best. Going into that game we knew they were going to run the ball on us. We showed up. We knew we would have to bang heads all four quarters. It was a close game, we stopped their two-point play at the end to win (17-16). We got the victory. That was an emotional ride too. Their offense would not get off the field. Our offense did not touch the ball in the third quarter. We kept pounding on them and we were able to advance.”

Overall, how are you utilized within the Highlanders defensive scheme?

“Within the scheme, I am the strong inside linebacker. It is my job to make sure everyone is on the same page; I am the general on the field. They expect me to relay the information to everyone else and make sure we are working well together. We have a bunch of talent across the field. I make sure we mesh well together out there.”

How has your game improved throughout the season?

“I am seeing big gains in playing downhill and playing faster. At the start of the year I thought more than reacted. Now that I have more experience, I trust the keys and experience. I wasn’t trusting myself early, but I am not and it has paid off. I am getting there a step faster and hitting a step harder.”

What do you feel are the strengths of your game?

“My overall strength is my ability to be a smart football player. Everyone can be physical, but you have to be smart out there. You have to read the keys, watch film, and know what is coming. In some of the playoff games, we knew certain plays were coming based on the hand signals from watching film. We were seeing the patterns and tendencies, that allowed me to play a step faster.

“My coverage and open-field tackling were a big part of my game this year. My coaches were helpful in my development, I really improved there. I can run with the slot. I can run with him downfield to cutoff the seam. I can also cover running backs out of the backfield. I feel like I did that well this year. I was happy with my abilities improving my coverage.”

Looks like you guys get a very talented Sierra Canyon team in the bowl playoff. What are you expecting from their offense on Saturday?

“They just won D-III championship against Cajon, their offense knows how to score points. Verde was scoring 50 plus this year before we played them, we are used to that. The schedule that we have gone through, it is hard to be afraid of anyone. We know we have to play our game. If we play our game, then their game will not matter. We will be able to beat them at it. We are expecting a good offense. They obviously can take care of business.”

With recruiting, which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?

“I am receiving interest from UC-Davis, a lot of interest, Cal-Poly San Louis Obispo, Yale, Army, and Air Force.”

Have you received an offer?

“Yes. University of San Diego has offered me.”

Nice. Have you had a chance to take any official or unofficial visits yet?

“Yes. I have taken unofficial visits to UC-Davis and twice to San Diego.”

What were the visit experiences like for you?

“They were great experiences, great to get on the campuses to see the differences between the schools. I was able to compare the two after the visits.”

Do you have any planned visits upcoming?

“Yes. I have an official with San Diego, but we do not have a scheduled date yet. It will be at the end of the season.”

Kyle, I appreciate your time today. Congratulations on the championship win and good luck in the bowl game against Sierra Canyon.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: Dave Samarzich; No. 11 Kyle Thornton

Photo credit: Thornton family; Kyle Thornton at USD