Oregon QB commit Ty Thompson on elite wide receiver Dont’e Thornton: ‘Duck fans gonna love him’

The Oregon Ducks 2021 recruiting class already consists of the best wide receiver haul in program history.

Led by five-star pass-catcher Troy Franklin, Oregon’s class also includes Under Armour All-American selections Kyron Ware-Hudson and Isaiah Brevard.

And Mario Cristobal and his coaching staff likely aren’t done yet.

The main target? Consensus four-star prospect Dont’e Thornton, a 6-foot-5, 205-pound playmaker out of Mount Saint Joseph (Baltimore, Maryland).

This week, Ahmed Ghafir of SI’s “All Terrapins” website shared a video of Thornton reportedly running a 4.43 40-yard dash – a remarkable time for his size.

As if that weren’t exciting enough, Oregon quarterback commit Ty Thompson shared the video with a message that was music to the ears of Duck fans:

Thornton, the nation’s No. 6 wide receiver and No. 51 overall prospect, remains uncommitted but had previously planned to announce his decision during the nationally-televised Adidas All-American Bowl in January.

However, with the coronavirus pandemic still ongoing, he is considering an early decision date.

Either way, Oregon is the presumed favorite.

What would they be getting? According to Sports Illustrated, a true No. 1 wide receiver who can stretch the field vertically.

“Thornton is a big receiver who has good speed, strength, toughness and a fairly solid release plan versus press coverage. He can track throws downfield with his eyes and make plays by out-muscling defenders at the catch point with his big body. He projects as a lead “X” receiver in a college offense with a downfield passing game.”

Oregon’s 2021 recruiting class is ranked No. 1 in the Pac-12 Conference and No. 5 nationally and consists of 18 pledges.

With roughly 22-23 total spots in the class, the Ducks are going to become selective with their remaining targets.

Thornton, however, is clearly one of the biggest names to watch.

— Andrew Nemec | anemec@oregonian.com | @AndrewNemec

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