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Michigan State football should target Oregon transfer Dont’e Thornton

By Connor Muldowney

EUGENE, OR - NOVEMBER 19: Wide receiver Dont'e Thornton #2 of the Oregon Ducks runs the ball during the second quarter of the game against the Utah Utes at Autzen Stadium on November 19, 2022 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Ali Gradischer/Getty Images)
EUGENE, OR - NOVEMBER 19: Wide receiver Dont'e Thornton #2 of the Oregon Ducks runs the ball during the second quarter of the game against the Utah Utes at Autzen Stadium on November 19, 2022 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Ali Gradischer/Getty Images) /
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Jayden Reed made the announcement that he’d be entering the NFL draft shortly after Michigan State football lost to Penn State to end his senior season, leaving the door open for a new top target in 2023.

Keon Coleman broke out as the Spartans’ WR1 in 2022 as Reed struggled to really get going after a couple of injuries early on, but his presence on the field drew defenders’ attention.

Losing Reed will be tough on this offense as he was so good over the past two seasons, totaling over 1,600 yards.

Those shoes will need to be filled as a top target and WR2 option for whoever starts at quarterback next year and the transfer portal could help with that.

Enter, Dont’e Thornton from Oregon.

Thornton was one of the top prospects in the 2021 class, ranking No. 57 overall and as the No. 7 receiver, according to 247Sports. He had a decent start to his Oregon career, but hasn’t even come close to reaching his potential.

Michigan State could tap into that potential.

Michigan State football could use a guy like Thornton

Thornton hasn’t been the most productive receiver since getting to Oregon, catching 26 passes for 541 yards and two touchdowns in two seasons. But he’s capable of so much more.

Coming in as one of the top targets in the 2021 class, Thornton was expected to be one of Oregon’s top receivers but the 26 catches through two years are a little disappointing. As you can see by his 20.8 career yards per reception, he’s a home run threat every time he touches the ball. Michigan State needs that.

Imagine a receiving corps with a 6-foot-5 athlete like Thornton and a 6-foot-4 freak athlete like Coleman along with a (potential) return of Tre Mosley and Germie Bernard and Antonio Gates Jr.

That’s one of the best receiving corps in the Big Ten.

I like the potential of Bernard and Gates Jr. so if Mosley is leaning toward leaving, adding another veteran presence like Thornton who has untapped potential would be huge.

Don’t be surprised if Mel Tucker makes a push here.

dark. Next. Bowl game still in play for Michigan State

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