As a sophomore, he was converted into a cornerback by Willie Martinez, Georgia's secondary coach and defensive coordinator.
He also returned an interception 71 yards (second longest in school history) for a touchdown in the Sugar Bowl against Florida State University.
As a senior, he was named a team captain and was the Bulldogs' best cornerback, starting 13 games and often facing the opponents' best wide receiver.
as a sophomore … Thornton was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth round (121st overall) of the 2004 NFL draft.
[6] Injuries forced the 49ers to promote him to the active roster on October 2 and eventually named him the starter at left cornerback.
He also intercepted quarterback Peyton Manning in the end zone, and received honorable-mention NFL defensive player of the week honors for his efforts.