Kris Thornton’s hard work pays off at JMU Pro Day.

On March 20th, the James Madison football program hosted their pro day at Beidegorth stadium, which drew the attention of more than 20 NFL scouts. A total of 12 Dukes participated, showcasing their abilities both in the weight room and on the field.

Former JMU wide receiver Kris Thornton (2019-22) stood out among the prospective pros, delivering an impressive performance in all six drills. He achieved the highest scores of the day in the vertical jump (41 inches), L drill (6.76 seconds), and 40-yard dash (4.45), while also achieving the second-highest marks in the broad jump (10-feet-5) and the 5-10-5 drill (4.22).

Thornton revealed that he had spent most of his pro-day preparations in Pennsylvania, focusing on building muscle and reaching a weight of around 180 pounds. He trained six days a week for two months, working towards becoming leaner and faster.

Reflecting on his performance, Thornton said he was pleased with his accomplishments, and felt that he had successfully translated all the hard work he had put in during his preparations into his performance on the day.

“I feel like I came here and did what I wanted to do,” Thornton said. “I feel like everything I prepped for I just came out here and put it into motion.”