KU or MU, tough decision for Thornton

When you’re picking between the University of Kansas and the University of Missouri, you’re subject to one of the most intense and bitter battles between border rivals. That’s the situation for St. Joseph (Mo.) Central cornerback Justin Thornton.

“I wish I really could say deep down that I did have a favorite between the two teams,” Thornton said. “I really can’t because I like them both quite a bit. I’m being recruited at KU by (coach Brandon) Blaney and by coach (Andy) Hill at Missouri. Blaney is a real down to earth guy. I feel comfortable talking to him about anything.

“Caoch Hill – he’s awesome. I really like talking to him.”

Thornton, who is 6-foot-1 and 182 pounds, is scheduled to visit Lawrence on December 3 and then will follow that up with a visit to Columbia on December 10. He said he would like to possibly take one more visit before he makes a final decision, but most schools seemingly have backed off of him since he seems so dialed in on the Jayhawks and Tigers.

“I sent out five different tapes last week, hoping that some other teams would show some more interest in me,” Thornton said. “I sent one to Oklahoma State, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska and Northwestern. I’m hoping that some of these tapes will push teams to offer me. I’m leaving the door open for somebody else.”

But make no mistake, it’s going to be tough for him to end up anywhere but MU or KU.

For the season, Thornton has racked up 19 touchdowns – 14 of which have come at the receiver position. He said that his gaudy receiving stats has even prompted Kansas to talk to him about playing both ways.

“KU said I would be able to play both ways possibly,” he said. “I would be open to that. I could see myself on either side of the ball.”