Mt. Carmel junior Marshaun Thornton has earned the distinction of being one of the top recruits in the nation at wide receiver.
It’s a well-earned title.
He came on strong down the stretch as a freshman on varsity, was a gigantic presence in the passing game as a sophomore and has managed to take his game to another level this fall. And, he’s also an uber-dangerous return man on special teams.
In addition, he was a split second away from an interception in an improvised defensive back role against Marist.
“I can do everything,” Thornton said. “It’s the person and player I am. That motor, that dog in me, I’ll do anything for this team. They are my guys. I love these boys for life. To see them happy, to see them win, I’ll do anything possible.”
Thornton finished with 4 catches for 26 yards and 2 touchdowns on Oct. 30 as host Mt. Carmel defeated Marist 55-21 in a Class 8A first-round game.
The Caravan (8-2) will host Barrington (7-4) on Nov. 6, at 7 p.m., in a second-round game.
Senior Brady Cloherty threw for 267 yards and 4 touchdowns on 14-for-18 passing, also connecting with seniors Quentin Burrell (4 catches, 81 yards, TD) and Duran Sims (4 catches, 116 yards, TD). Senior Nate Samuels added 71 rushing yards and 2 TD.
For Marist, senior Conor Hunt had a 12-yard rushing TD and 5 catches for 73 yards. Junior Jack Bullington threw for 2 TD, connecting with seniors Nick Mayoski and Joey Doyle for a score each. Jake Fleming threw for 197 yards.
Thornton, a 6’2”, 190-pound wide receiver, currently has 33 offers from Division I schools.
Against Marist, he wasted no time in setting the tone.
Just 1:06 into the game, Thornton caught a pretty pass from Cloherty in the corner of the end zone for a 10-yard TD. With Marist forced to punt on the following possession, Thornton returned the kick 55 yards to the four-yard line.
Junior Jamarri Thompson punched it in for a 4-yard score as Mt. Carmel went up 14-0 in lightning-quick fashion and never looked back.
Cloherty started the season in a back-up role but quickly jumped into the starter’s role when senior Ryder Startz was injured in the season opener against East St. Louis.
“Brady and I, we’ve gotten pretty close,” Thornton said. “Even when he was the back-up, he was my guy. Just seeing him build to the person he is now, it’s been amazing. Him getting the opportunities, breaking records and making the most of it, it’s always good to see him progress.”
Thornton has 50 catches for 952 yards and 14 TD this season.
He’s been a gigantic threat all season with huge chunk plays, a potential game-wrecker with each next reception. He said he isn’t getting too wrapped up in anything big, including recruiting, but just putting the work in each day.
“Right now, it feels like just grinding. It’s taking it day by day and grinding,” Thornton said. “The offseason was grinding and getting better. I wanted to do everything I could to come out here and help the team win.”
Early in the second quarter, junior Caleb Tucker forced a Marist fumble with junior Ty Kennedy recovering the ball.
On the first play of its drive, the Caravan scored over the top on a Cloherty to Burrell 60-yard bomb. Burrell is a Michigan recruit and four-year varsity star.
“We know everyone will get theirs,” Thornton said. “Whatever the case may be, we’re happy for everybody and seeing what they do. I’m a team player. Seeing everyone eat and everyone win is great to see.”
Cloherty said he’s feeling as strong as ever in the passing game, especially with some huge targets in the receiver corps.
“It feels great,” Cloherty said. “Every time I put the ball close to them, they’ll make a play for me. That’s all I’ve got to do. They’re great athletes, so all I have to do is get the ball to them.”
Cloherty has come on strong as the starter, showcasing a big arm for an explosive Mt. Carmel offense.
“We’re really clicking on offense,” Cloherty said. “I eat lunch with [Coach Jordan Lynch] every day working on the playbook. He’s a great coach. It’s all going good.”
On defense, Tucker was a game-changer as well, totaling 3.5 sacks and the forced fumble.
“My reaction is I see the ball, go get the ball,” Tucker said with a smile. “I’m mad so go get the ball. I didn’t know he fumbled. I was definitely just pushing back trying to push the ball out. Only thing better would be an interception. That’s what I’m striving for.”
Tucker, a three-year varsity starter, earned the nickname “Bonecrusher” when he was 5 years old. He’s 6’5”, 370 pounds and has more than 30 offers from Division I programs.
“The key for me was keeping my composure,” Tucker said. “It’s using my speed and size. It’s the brotherhood here. They push me to my limit. I’m grateful for these guys.”