Thornton Invited To Boston College Pro Scout Day

Bloomfield, Conn. native among top players in region invited to professional tryout

FITCHBURG, Mass. (March 18, 2009) - After a successful, two-year career at Fitchburg State College, senior running back Marlon Thornton (Bloomfield, Conn./Bloomfield) represented the Falcons football team this past week as he was invited to participate in the Boston College Pro Scout Day. 

MARLON THORNTON

Thornton, a two-time New England Football Conference (NEFC) All-Conference selection, was one of the top players in the New England region selected to join the scout day. Participants from over 40 schools in the New England area attended the workout as professional scouts and assistant coaches from NFL teams looked on.

"I could not be any happier for Marlon," said head coach Paul McGonagle. "Besides being one of the top running backs in the nation and a great leader at Fitchburg State, Marlon has been one of the hardest workers on the team."

This season, Thornton headed a list of seven Fitchburg State football players who earned post-season honors. The senior standout collected Worcester Area All-Star first team honors while being named to the NEFC All-Conference second team. Thornton was one of the Falcons top offensive performers, posting 1252 yards on the ground with 14 total touchdowns and 213 carries.

Thornton, a recipient of the prestigious Boston Globe Gold Helmet in 2007, has appeared in 19 career games for Fitchburg State, rushing for 2548 yards and 26 touchdowns. The 2007 ECAC Division III Northeast All-Star has totaled 3354 all-purpose yards as a Falcon, while posting 32 total touchdowns and 651 receiving yards.

 "I not only believe this is good for Marlon and a potential NFL career but great for the college and the athletic program as well," said McGonagle.  "Hopefully we can build off this as a football program and have more players attend in the near future."      

Fitchburg State concluded its solid 2008 campaign only one game shy of the NEFC Championship match. The Falcons finished with an overall record of 4-6, while posting a 4-3 mark in the NEFC.