Quincy University Hawks

2024 (Senior): In his senior season, Thornton appeared in every game and recorded 32 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, five pass breakups, one fumble recovery, and intercepted his first pass in a 24-20 win over William Jewell (11/2/24). Thornton had a career-high nine tackles against Upper Iowa (9/28/24).

2023 (Junior): Thornton saw the field in all 11 games, where he had 13 tackles, one tackle for loss, and one sack. He also had two pass breakups. Trajen recorded his first career sack against Indianapolis (10/21/23). 

2022 (Sophomore): In 11 games, Trajen recorded 22 tackles, broke up five passes, and recovered a fumble. His first career fumble recovery came in a win against Trinity International (9/8/22), and he recorded his season-high in tackles against Walsh (9/17/22), where he had seven stops. 

2021 (Redshirt Freshman): In his first full season, Thornton saw action in nine games, where he recorded 18 tackles and recorded two pass breakups. His season-high in tackles came against William Jewell (11/13/21), where he made eight tackles. His first career pass breakup came in a 38-17 win over Walsh (9/18/21).

2020-21 (Freshman): In the shortened season, Trajen saw action in the only two games, where he recorded five tackles and led the team with four kickoff returns for an average of 22.25 yards per return. He recorded his first career tackle against Indianapolis (4/3/21), which also saw his longest kick return of the season of 26 yards.

Personal: Trajen Thornton hails from West Des Moines, Iowa, where he competed for the Valley High School Tigers. He’s the son of Willie and Michelle Thornton and has three sisters: Sierra Feltes, Brittany Menn, and Sydnee Thornton.

A standout in both football and track, Trajen earned Third Team All-State honors and was recognized on the All-Iowa Football Team with an honorable mention in 2020. On the track, he was a 1st Team All-State athlete in 2019 and played a key role in Valley’s 2018 and 2019 Iowa 4A State Track and Field Championships. He also helped set the Iowa all-time best record in the shuttle hurdle relay and was part of a state championship-winning shuttle hurdle squad.

When he’s not training or competing, Trajen enjoys golfing and spending quality time with friends. His list of athletic inspirations includes Tiger Woods, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Marshon Lattimore, Aaron Judge, Kawhi Leonard, and Lando Norris. He’s a passionate fan of Liverpool F.C., the New Orleans Saints, the New York Yankees, and the Los Angeles Clippers.

Why QU?
I chose QU because it gave me the best chance to play football and get a great education.