Juan Thornhill, S-CB, Virginia #21
6002, 210, 4.57
Notes: From Altavista, VA. Appeared in 9 games and recorded 2 tackles in 2015. Played in all 12 games with 11 starts, posting 45 tackles, 3 TFL, 1 sack, 3 INT, 10 PBU and 1 FF in 2016. Started 12 of UVA’s 13 games, missing one contest with an injury, and made 63 tackles, 4.5 TFL, 0.5 sacks, 4 INT and 16 PBU in 2017. Has reportedly posted a 40.5” vertical jump. Bulked up and opened the season at safety in 2018.
Positives: Fluid athlete with nice size. Long arms. Shows good instincts and feel for the game. Good key and diagnose ability. Physical pass defender. Can run with receivers in coverage. Gets his head around to play the ball. Experience at cornerback is a plus. Good range and ball skills. Breaks on the ball well moving forward. Good hands for the interception. Capable open-field tackler.
Negatives: Lacks elite suddenness and sustained speed. A bit too lanky and is sometimes unable to change directions and adjust his path quickly. Needs some technique work. Somewhat inconsistent tackler.
Summary: Above-average pass defense skills at safety and could be a consideration for some teams at cornerback. Solid mid-round prospect with some upside potential.
