LORMAN — Alcorn State football head coach Fred McNair has announced the promotions of Cedric Thornton, Elliott Wratten and Ryan Busz on the Braves staff.

Thornton will serve as assistant head coach, in addition to his duties as defensive coordinator. Wratten was promoted to offensive coordinator and will also coach the offensive line. Busz was bumped up to running backs coach after serving as the equipment manager last season.

Thornton completed his first season as defensive coordinator with the Braves in 2018. He’ll be entering his fourth season with the staff after also working as the linebackers coach for two years.

In 2018, Thornton’s defense ranked first in the FCS in both sacks per game (4.0) and tackles for a loss per game (9.5). The defense was also third in the country in rushing yards allowed (91.2 per game), eighth in total defense (291.4 yards per game), 10th in red zone defense, and in the top 25 in scoring defense, third down percentage defense and interceptions.

Wratten will enter his fourth season with the Alcorn football program, all with the offense. He’s previously served as tight ends coach, fullbacks coach and recruiting coordinator.

Wratten has played a vital role in recruiting. Alcorn signed 19 players in 2019 and it was rated as the best recruiting class in the Southwestern Athletic Conference and No. 22 in the Football Championship Subdivision, according to HERO Sports.