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WATCH: Tennessee wide receiver Donte Thornton runs 4.30 and says hello NFL

On3 imageby: Brent Hubbs03/02/25Brent_Hubbs
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Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

Former Tennessee wide receiver Donte Thornton welcomed himself to the NFL world on Saturday by dropping a smooth 4.30-40 at the NFL Combine.

The 4.3 was the second fastest time recorded by a wide receiver in Indianapolis and the third fastest of any position over the last three days. 

Kentucky defensive back Maxwell Hairston ran a 4.28 and Texas wide receiver Matthew Goode ran a 4.29.

Thornton measured in at 6-5, 205 points. Thornton vertical jumped 33 inches and broad jumped 10-feet-6 inches. 

The Maryland native transferred to Tennessee from Oregon ahead of the 2023 season. In 2024, Thornton, despite injuries, led the Vols in receiving with 661 yards on 26 catches and he had 6 touchdowns. He averaged 25.4 yards a reception last season. 

Thornton surpassed the century mark in a single game three times on the season (UTC – 105 yards, Miss St. – 104 yards, Vanderbilt – 118 yards) and found the endzone twice against the Mocs and the Commodores to bookend the regular season. The veteran also found the endzone in games against Oklahoma and Mississippi State.

In 2023, the newcomer finished with 13 receptions for 224 yards and one touchdown in his first season in Knoxville. Prior to his Volunteer career, Thornton racked up 541 yards and three touchdowns on 26 receptions over a two-year span with Oregon

Thornton was one of six Vols who went through the combine. On Thursday evening, James Pearce ran a 4.47, in a hoodie, to help his draft stock. 

Elijah Simmons got some attention with a 32-inch vertical leap at 340 pounds. Dylan Sampson didn’t run the 40 but had a nice showing with his hands in pass receiving work. Sampson’s name continues to creep up draft boards. Sampson will run the 40 at Tennessee’s pro day and Simmons will do the bench press then.

Tennessee will hold those pro day workouts on campus later this month ahead of the NFL Draft in Green Bay April 24-26.. 

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