For North Carolina A&T senior linebacker Andre Thornton, “consistency” has manifested in his football career in two different forms.

At two different points in his career, he “consistently” experienced the jubilant highs and depressing lows of playing the sport.

The Charlotte native won four consecutive state championships during his prep career at Independence High School, and has been a starting outside linebacker for A&T football team since his freshman year, missing just one game his entire career.

But contrary to his accomplishments, he lost touch of what was a norm in his career–winning.

He has been a part of the struggling Aggies since the early part of their 27-game losing streak totaling just three wins in the last three years and two consecutive winless seasons in 2006 and 2007.

“I still remember that first game”, said Thornton after the team’s blue–and-gold scrimmage Saturday at Aggie Stadium, “it was hurtful.”

Since leading the way for his defensive unit, Thornton has managed to post stellar numbers that include 221 total tackles, which is more than any other player on the roster. He comes into this season  with the chance of  ranking among the top five linebackers in school history before ending his collegiate career.

But the statistics seemingly have not been appealing enough to gain the 2009 MEAC preseason second-team pick the same recognition as some of his counter-part conference linebackers.

Thornton has yet to make the first-team but still believes that he has the ability to be the best linebacker in the conference.

“Of course that’s what everyone wants to be – the best,” Thornton said.  “The linebacker’ – and I just work towards that.  It makes me work harder.” First-year head coach Alonzo Lee praised what he has witnessed of his linebacker’s progression since his arrival to A&T this winter.

“Andre is coming along pretty well,” Lee said. “He’s  doing great things for us.” 

• Daniel Henderson