Stephenson defensive tackle Michael Thornton’s stellar play in the Jaguars’ 34-14 win over Ware County has earned him the Touchdown Club of Atlanta’s Defensive Lineman of the Week Award.

Thornton, a 6-foot-2, 280-pound senior, had two sacks and two tackles for loss, broke up two passes and forced a fumble during the Sept. 18 contest.

Thornton received the award on Sept. 28 during the Touchdown Club’s meeting at the Fox Sports Grill in Atlanta.

The other award winners were Lassiter High School’s Hutson Mason, who was the Back of the Week, and McEachern High School’s Kyle Hockman, who was the Coach of the Week. Dutchtown High School was the Team of the Week.

Thornton, who has not yet committed to a college program, is one of the most sought-after high school prospects in the country.

Football programs such as South Carolina, Georgia, Miami, Auburn, Penn State, Duke, Clemson, Mississippi State, North Carolina State, Vanderbilt and Alabama have all recruited Thornton.

Scouts Inc., a national recruiting service, describes Thornton as a physical defender against the opponents rushing the ball.

“He displays good explosiveness out of his stance and consistently comes off the ball with good pad level,” a Scouts Inc. evaluation says. “Flashes the ability to combine that leverage with the use of his hands. When he brings his hands he can create some separation and hold his ground.” In 2008, Thornton had 95 tackles and 2.5 sacks.