
WVU's Intense, Career-Ending DL with 3 Sacks and Special Teams Grit
Jalen Thornton, a Cincinnati-native redshirt senior for West Virginia, closes his career with 25 tackles and 3 sacks across 45 games, known for his relentless intensity and versatility on special teams. Standing 6-2 and 278 lbs in 2023, he played 168 total snaps (81 on defense) in 2023, showing durability despite a modest tackle count. His differentiator isn't just stats—it's his coachable personality, scouting intern experience with the Packers (2024), and ability to add depth while playing high-leverage snaps. He’s a perfect fit for teams needing a gritty, intelligent DL who brings NFL-ready mindset and special teams reliability, even as he transitions to coaching.