Towson University Athletics

AT IOWA: Played 38 games for the Hawkeyes from 2011-13 ... started four games at strong safety in 2012 ... made 27 solo tackles and assisted on 17 others ... made a career-best eight tackles at Indiana in 2012, including three solo tackles, five assists, a shared tackle for loss and a pass break-up .. saw action in the 2011 Insight Bowl (vs. Oklahoma) and the 2013 Outback Bowl (vs. LSU).

AT BISHOP MCNAMARA H.S.: First team all-state, first team WCAC all-conference, second team all-metro, Big School second team defense and Catholic All-American third team as a senior ... second team WCAC all-conference and honorable mention Big School all-state as a junior ... led team with 106 tackles as a senior, 31 tackles for loss and four interceptions, while playing both cornerback and safety ... scored three touchdowns as wide receiver ... finished with 67 tackles, four QB sacks and two interceptions as a junior ... helped team to the playoffs in 2009, finishing with an 8-3 record ... team captain as a senior ... lettered in both football and track.

PERSONAL: Given name is Nicholas ... member of prep Honor Roll, graduating cum laude ... parents are Melody and Harry Thornton ... has one brother and two sisters ... high school coach was Bryce Bevill ... born on May 12, 1993 in Washington, D.C. ... major is Communications.