Michigan State University Athletics
Thornhill Creating His Own Legacy
9/20/2000 12:00:00 AM | Football
Sept. 20, 2000
By Ben Phlegar
Sports Information Student Assistant
Josh Thornhill has heard it all before. Stories of how his father Charlie, a linebacker for the Spartans, terrorized opponents during MSU Big Ten title seasons in 1965 and '66. The legend of when he unofficially had 55 tackles in one game. But in the year 2000, only the younger Thornhill can create more stories to pass on for Spartan fans to come - that is, if he hasn't already.
Thornhill, a junior linebacker who was elected tri-captain this season, earned his first start in the middle of his freshman campaign and hasn't looked back since. Making a sudden impact with his speed and strength, Thornhill was named a second-team Freshman All-American with 80 tackles (46 solos, 34 assists), including 15 against No. 1 ranked Ohio State.
After a sensational freshman year, he struck back against the sophomore jinx, finishing fourth on the team with 73 tackles (33 solos, 40 assists). As if he wasn't doing enough on the field, Thornhill was also excelling in the classroom, earning Academic All-Big Ten honors in 1999.
Now, in his third season, the expectations are growing. The Sporting News selected him to the preseason first-team All-Big Ten squad and also picked him as one of the top 20 outside linebackers in the nation before coach Bobby Williams moved him to middle linebacker. Josh however, is more focused on his leadership role and trying to maintain a Spartan defense that finished 12th in the nation last season.
"We have a lot of great leaders on this team, but it is going to be tough replacing the guys from last year," said Thornhill. "I just want to do whatever it takes for the team to win. We learned some valuable lessons in how to win in the fourth quarter and now it is our job to keep that mentality this season."
Even with the extra media attention and additional leadership responsibilities, Thornhill claims he is more relaxed than the two previous seasons.
"My mindset is much more comfortable and focused," Thornhill said. "Last year, I was too much on the aggressive side. Now, my approach is controlled aggression. I want to see things and then make it happen rather than reacting to everything without thinking."
Thornhill seemed almost destined to step into the spotlight at MSU. With his father's legacy looming, the path from his hometown of Lansing to the gridiron in East Lansing was right in front of him. But Thornhill doesn't see anything different about practically playing in his own backyard.
"It's nice that I'm so close to my hometown and I take pride in where I'm from," he said. "But when I'm playing, I'm part of a team representing Michigan State."
He stresses his team-first attitude as being the key ingredient for success this season.
"We worked so hard as a team last season," said Thornhill. "When Paul (Edinger) kicked that field goal to beat Florida the whole season came together. That same energy has carried over and our guys know how to win."
Thornhill admits this is a borrowed philosophy from his father, as is his pride as a Spartan.
"He always says that it's up to you and your teammates working together - only people can build walls around themselves," he said. "Another thing he keeps hammering me on is the respect aspect. Take pride in your team and earn that respect for Michigan State."
The modest persona that Thornhill displays is a sharp cry from his father's nickname in his playing days - "Mad Dog". It is just one of the many ways he is creating his own identity as a player but he still looks up to his father with all his heart.
"I want to try and live up to him. If I could be half as good as him, I'll make it to the league and that's what I'm striving for," he said. "But I know I haven't arrived yet. If I do get compared to my father that would be the biggest honor in the world."
It might not be long before that honor becomes reality. Blending his father's advice with his explosive athletic ability, Thornhill is certainly making a name for himself as a menacing presence on the field. All in all, it's just another page in the Thornhill family scrapbook.
