An Illinois football spokesman reports that Oberlin graduate Hugh Thornton, an offensive lineman, suffered a strained neck during Saturday’s game against Northern Illinois.

Thornton underwent tests at a local hospital after being carted off the field during the third quarter. Brown says all the tests were negative.

Thornton was blocking ahead of running back Mikel LeShoure when he appeared to drop his head and make helmet-to-helmet contact with a Northern Illinois defender.

Athletic trainers on the field took several minutes to stabalize his neck before teammates helped lift the stretcher onto the cart.

Thornton pumped his fist as the crowd applauded on his way to the locker room.

swalker@MorningJournal.com