IN THE SPOTLIGHT. . . CEDRIC THORNTON
Checking in wtih the Eagles defensive end
Position: Defensive end
Age: 25
Birthdate: June 21, 1988
Hometown: Star City, Ark.
College: Southern Arkansas
Acquired: Rookie free agent 2011
Career: After signing with the Eagles as a rookie free agent in 2011, Thornton saw his first action last year, playing in all 16 games. Thornton entered this season as the starter at left defensive end while becoming one of the Eagles' young and upcoming players on defense. In 30 games for the Eagles - including 14 starts - Thornton has recorded two sacks and 122 tackles, 82 solo.
Sunday with Eagles: Thornton added three total tackles and one solo in the loss to the Vikings. With his tackle for a loss, Thornton increased his total tackles to 75, the most among Eagles defensive linemen.
Did you know? After starting out with aspirations of playing professional baseball or basketball, Thornton chose football at a young age because he could be more aggressive. In high school, Thornton was a running back and wide receiver at Star City High School before switching to defensive end at Southern Arkansas, where he become just the fifth player ever to make NFL.