Louisville cornerback Corey Thornton is among the more underrated corners in the 2025 NFL Draft. Thornton started opposite Quincy Riley this past season and ensured the Cardinals had one of the better secondaries in the nation. He was coached by Steve Ellis, who has also worked with Kevin Byard, Charvarius Ward, Jarvis Brownlee Jr., Reed Blankenship, and Shavon Revel Jr., to name a few, on his resume.
Thornton recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network. Thornton discussed transferring from UCF to Louisville, playing aggressive press-man coverage, learning from coach Ellis, and more.
JM: You entered the transfer portal ahead of 2024 and went from UCF to Louisville. How do you look back on that decision?
Corey Thornton: It was a great decision and a smooth transition for me. Louisville treated me great. I loved the culture. It was a different culture from UCF. I fit right in. Louisville treated me like family. I felt the love.
I was thankful for my time at UCF as well. I just felt like I needed to make a change and expand my game. I wanted to learn new techniques before taking that next step into the NFL.
JM: That makes sense. You're a big and long comeback at a listed 6-foot-1 and 195 pounds. How do you use size to your advantage in coverage?
Corey Thornton: I like getting my hands on receivers at the line of scrimmage. I can gamble and play aggressive press-man coverage. I love being physical. I can come up and tackle as a bigger corner. I’m not scared to put my head down and initiate contact.
JM: You've had some incredible teammates throughout your career. This year, you played with Quincy Riley, another great corner prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft. How did iron sharpen iron for you two?
Corey Thornton: We worked on our craft together and got better every single day at practice. We would stay late after practice and continue working together. We worked techniques in man and zone coverage. We both love to compete.
It was brotherly love between Quincy Riley and I.
JM: Your DB coach Steve Ellis has a terrific resume. In addition to you and Quincy, he had Jarvis Brownlee Jr. and Storm Duck at Louisville last year. He also coached and recruited Kevin Byard, Charvarius Ward, and Reed Blankenship at Middle Tennessee State. How has coach Ellis improved your game?
Corey Thornton: Coach Steve Ellis actually recruited me coming out of high school. When I decided to enter the transfer portal, we started talking again. It felt like my high school recruitment all over again.
He’s a great coach and a great recruiter. He’s going to tell you exactly how it is (laughs). He doesn’t hold back. It’s all about getting better though. He’s always going to maximize your development and turn you into the player you’re supposed to be.
He made me a better all-around player. My game evolved and reached new heights because of coach Ellis. He told me the things I needed to work on. He was always straightforward with me. He doesn’t sugarcoat anything. I have a ton of respect for him.
JM: He’s an outstanding coach and an even better man. As a big corner, do you prefer to play man coverage or zone coverage?
Corey Thornton: I’ve always preferred to play man coverage. I love the simplicity of it. This is my man and I’m not going to let him catch the ball. Let’s line up and do it. I can look you in your eyes and you know I got you. You gotta beat me. Good luck.
I love disrupting the timing of a route. I can do that in press-man coverage.
JM: You did that at a high level. We've appreciated your time today. What are you looking to prove to scouts throughout the pre-draft process?
Corey Thornton: I’m looking to prove that I’m a hard worker. I know I’m an underdog. I want it more than the next guy. I’m willing to do what it takes to make my dreams come true. I’m a humble worker.
You’re going to get an extremely physical player. I’m looking to prove that I’m a standout prospect. I’m going to give this my all, no matter what I do. I always put my best foot forward.
What you see is what you get with Corey Thornton.
