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Indianapolis Colts: Hugh Thornton Seeking Improvement in 2016

By Garrett Hagan

Sep 7, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Indianapolis Colts guard Hugh Thornton (69) before the game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 7, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Indianapolis Colts guard Hugh Thornton (69) before the game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /
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Indianapolis Colts guard Hugh Thornton has been wildly inconsistent since entering the league in 2013. With the right side of the offensive line up for grabs, Thornton is looking to a new-and-improved version of himself this coming year.

The Indianapolis Colts drafted Hugh Thornton in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft. Having played collegiately at Illinois, the hope was that he would shore up any issues the Colts had on the right side of the line.

Fast forward to now, and Thornton’s three-year career with the Colts has been plagued with injury and inconsistency as the 25-year-old seeks fluidity as a starting-caliber linemen in the NFL.

In a recent interview with Mike Wells of ESPN.com, Thornton acknowledged that his weight had been an issue with his lack of productivity — claiming to have lost 27 pounds since last season.

“I was happy with what I did,” Thornton said. “I think it was the best decision I made. I slimmed down and I’m healthier. My problem before was not eating… I made the decision because I want to live a long time. I wasn’t practicing a healthy lifestyle.”

Thornton’s offseason diet resulted in him reporting to this year’s training camp at a reported 313 pounds — lighter than the 340 pounds he weighed when he reported to the Colts’ 2015 camp.

“Meeting with my agent and the different people I work with and finding the common denominator with things I struggle with,” he said. “If it was a quick step, let’s try to get lighter. So I have more power, get stronger at the same time so I can move a little bit quicker laterally.”

With 2016 being the final year of his rookie contract, it will appear to be a ‘make-or-break’ year for Thornton. He has never played an entire season since the Colts drafted him in 2013 — with 14 appearances being his highest in a single season.

Thornton stands as the lone player currently on the Colts’ roster that came from the abysmal 2013 draft class for General Manager Ryan Grigson and the Colts. If he wishes to stand out as the only bright spot from his class, he needs to step things up a notch before time runs out.

“I feel like I’m confident in my abilities,” Thornton said. “I’m confident in what I can do and what I can bring to the table. If it doesn’t work out here, it’ll work out somewhere.”

Next: Andrew Luck Working on Fundamentals

With Denzelle Good and Jonotthan Harrison competing for the starting right guard spot alongside Thornton, his performance the rest of the way in camp will be critical to his future and success with the team.

Be sure to follow Ink On Indy as we continue our coverage of training camp for the Indianapolis Colts.

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