You don’t have to go hunting for jersey numbers to spot an athlete like Nathaniel Thornton on the North Kitsap High School football field, though it was only a few years ago the lineman blended in with most of his aspiring freshman classmates seeking a varsity spot.

It would take more than an incredible growth spurt to take Thornton to new heights, though reaching 6 feet, 6 inches in his senior year is admittedly a big boost to his recruitment profile. “I mostly just got in the weight room, you know,” he said. “Started eating a lot more, eating properly, especially once I knew I was going to play the line.”

The three-star lineman shot on to the scene in his sophomore year and has made the most of his reps at tackle or guard, becoming one of the top offensive line prospects in the state and a consistent threat on the defensive side as well. That accolade and a continued prioritization of work ethic has helped him earn offers from Division 1 colleges such as Montana and UC Davis. Thornton also made visits to Oregon State in 2023 before coaching changes closed that door, and he also received an invite to the University of Washington’s spring game.

Thornton would ultimately strike gold with Montana State, announcing his commitment to the Bobcats via X Sept. 11 mere days after returning from his official visit. He called it the perfect mix of opportunity for football and future education. “Academics was a big thing for me,” he said. “They’re a big engineering school, and that’s what I want to do in college. I really liked Bozeman, too, and the staff is amazing.”

Home of traditions such as the Gold Rush Game and a rodeo-esk pregame runout, the Bobcats of the Big Sky Conference have reemerged as a top-tier football school in the FCS.

Thornton’s interest in the school was particularly peaked by offensive line coach and former Wisconsin and NFL lineman Al Johnson, a recent arrival to the Bobcat staff who was already helping produce All-American talent. “He’s definitely somebody to play for. He knows what he’s talking about,” thornton said of the former Dallas, Arizona, Miami and New England player.

Viking coach Jeff Weible congratulated his lineman, saying: “We’re happy for him and happy that he’s got that decision off his chest and can just enjoy his senior year now. Obviously, he’s a very talented and gifted player, and he’ll be fun to watch.”