Paul Thurston Season 2015

Honors & Awards
» Nebraska Scholar-Athlete Honor Roll (Fall 2012, 2015)

2016 Outlook
Paul Thurston has worked as a reserve center for the Huskers the past two seasons, but is ready to step into a more prominent role in 2016. The 6-5, 300-pound Thurston is a leading contender to take over the starting center role on an offensive line that graduated four of its top six players. As a fifth-year senior, the Colorado native could also be counted on for leadership in a line that will likely feature several underclassmen in 2016.

Thurston closed his junior year with a strong performance in the Foster Farms Bowl, when he was called into action at center after an injury to starter Ryne Reeves.

2015 (Junior)
Thurston played in all 13 games, seeing action on special teams and as the Huskers' No. 2 center. Thurston saw his largest workload at center in the Foster Farms Bowl after Ryne Reeves left with a leg injury. Thurston's play helped Nebraska roll up 326 rushing yards in a 37-29 win. Thurston played in every game on special teams, serving on the Huskers' kicking unit and punt team.

2014 (Sophomore)
Thurston played in 10 games, mostly in a reserve role, but played extensively at Iowa with the top two centers injured. Thurston’s play helped NU rally from a 24-7 deficit to win, matching the largest road comeback in school history. He also saw snaps at center in the Holiday Bowl. In addition to his work at center, Thurston served as a shield blocker on NU’s punt unit, helping the Huskers rank among the Big Ten’s best in net punting.

2013 (Redshirt Freshman)
Thurston added depth on the line in 2013, but did not play in a game.

2012 (Redshirt)
Thurston redshirted in 2012.

Before Nebraska (Arvada West HS)
Thurston was a dominant blocker for Arvada West High School each of his final three seasons. As a senior, Thurston was a Class 5A (largest class) first-team all-state selection by the Denver Post. As a junior for Coach Casey Coons, Thurston helped Arvada West to a 6-5 record and a trip to the second round of the Class 5A playoffs. Thurston was a first-team all-conference selection as a junior, when he also played defensive line. As a sophomore, Thurston helped Arvada West to an 11-2 record and a berth in the Class 5A state semifinals.

Thurston was regarded as one of the top five players in Colorado by both Rivals.com and 247 Sports, and also listed among the top 150 overall prospects in the country by both Rivals and Scout.com. Thurston only visited Nebraska, but had numerous offers including Michigan, Notre Dame, Oregon, Stanford, Colorado, Northwestern, Kansas State and UCLA to name a few.

Personal
The son of Greg and Janet Thurston, Paul was born on June 25, 1993. He is a broadcasting major, and is a two-time member of theNebraska Scholar-Athlete Honor Roll. Thurston has volunteered his time with Uplifting Athletes, Husker Hotline and team hospital and community rec center visits.

Thurston's Career Statistics
» Games Played –23 (10 in 2014, 13 in 2015)