Post-Practice (10/22) video interview with LBs & Co-Captains Andon Thomas & Kalib Fortner
Despite the Black Knights having a bye week, the team is back at practice as they prepare for their academy rival showdown on November 1st against Air Force that will take place in Colorado Springs (CO).
NOTABLE:
•Andon Thomas
Thomas played his high school ball at Liberty Hill HS in Liberty Hill, TX where he was recruited by Mike Viti and Courtney Braswell in 2021. He had a 5.2 rating at ILB from Rivals and turned down an offer from Air Force to play for the Black Knights.
Thomas entered West Point as a direct report in 2022 and appeared in 1 game in his plebe season but recorded no statistics.
He played in 7 games in 2023, with 6 snaps on defense, but again recorded no statistics.
Thomas broke into the starting lineup at the beginning of the 2024 season, and he started all 14 games with 642 snaps. He finished first on the team in total tackles with 98, including 3.5 TFLs and an assisted Sack. He also had 2 Passes Broken up and a QB Hurry.
He and Kalib were named co-captains for the 2025 season, and he has started all 7 games with 428 defensive snaps. He has 59 total tackles including 1 TFL and has also been credited with 2 Passes Broken up and 1 QB Hurry.
• Kalib Fortner
The Fortner Twins, Kalib and Liam came to West Point from Knoxville, TN with a one year stop at USMAPS before entering the academy in 2022. Neither of them saw the field as plebes.
Kalib, an ILB, played in all 12 games in 2023 moving into the starting lineup for the final 9 games. He totaled 68 tackles (30 solo), (third most on the team), 3.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, and a forced fumble that he returned for a touchdown. He was named the MVP of the Navy game and earned honorable mention honors on the College Football All Independent Team.
Fortner started all 14 games in 2024 with defensive snaps. He finished second behind Thomas in total tackles with 81, and first in TFLs with 9.5, including 2 Sacks. He was credited with 3 passes broken up and 4 QB hurries.
He’s started all 7 games this season with 428 defensive snaps. He currently ranks second in total tackles with 45, including 6 TFLs and a Sack. He has also registered 5 QB Hurries and a Forced Fumble.
Following yesterday’s practice, GoBlackKnights.com‘s Football Analyst Joe Iacono had an opportunity to chat with the two LBs & Co-Captains Andon Thomas & Kalib Fortner.
Let’s Check It Out ….
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