VALDOSTA — Just two weeks into spring practice, there’s still a learning curve for all new players to Valdosta State football.

This is true of the Blazers’ biggest off-season recruit, Skyler Thornton.

The transfer out of the University of Florida is expected to contribute big things to the Blazers’ running back position in 2006.

While still learning the ins and outs of coach Chris Hatcher’s system, Thornton hasn’t jumped out just yet.

“Well, a lot of it is he’s just been learning what to do,” Hatcher said. “Hopefully, the more familiar he gets with what we’re trying to do, the better off he’ll be.”

The familiarity is becoming more prevalent, as Thornton is coming off his most successful VSU practice to date heading into today’s scrimmage at the end of spring practice.

During Wednesday’s practice, Thornton showed the explosiveness that could make him successful in the VSU offense.

“(Wednesday) has probably been his best day,” Hatcher said. “He had several really nice runs. He’s big and powerful, and he really showed he’s got some speed on a run he made.”

Thornton considers his biggest running strength to be up and down the field, rushing the ball straight ahead rather than shifting to the sides.

“My main thing is to get downhill as quick as I can,” Thornton said.

Several times during Wednesday’s practice, when the ball was put into Thornton’s arms, the 5-foot-11 running back broke through the line in a hurry and raced down the field with several black-shirted Blazers trailing.

“I blend in really well with the offense,” Thornton said. “I thought it was going to take longer than it has. It’s going great now. I’m getting the plays down pat.”

Along with becoming accustomed with the Blazers’ play book, Thornton has also adapted to Valdosta and his teammates.

“I like it,” Thornton said. “It’s a nice area with friendly people. I’m just trying to make a lot of friends and getting to know a lot of people.

“I hang out with some friends and play video games if I don’t have any work to do.”

When the senior transfer does have work to do, he is adding to his speed by training for both speed and strength and running more ropes than the cargo net on a schooner.

Combined with his training and learning the plays, Thornton expects to hit the field at full speed once the season starts.

“Hopefully when the season comes around, I’ll have a couple of goals for myself that I can reach,” Thornton said. “I just want to come out and play hard and go 100 miles per hour.”

Thornton should have plenty of opportunities to do that, as he went from being the possible No. 1 running back option to possibly the Blazers only option.

Before spring practices started, VSU lost George Jackson to injury, then this week, upcoming sophomore Thomas Arnold suffered a knee injury.

“He’ll be out probably for next season,” Hatcher said. “He hurt his knee really bad. It’s about as bad a knee injury as I’ve seen in some time, but he’s the kind of guy that will work hard and come back.

“Hopefully we’ll get him back next season before the playoff run.”

The Blazers lost a third running back, midterm transfer Terrance Hall from Florida Atlantic, who quit the team before spring practice.

“We’ve lost three running backs,” Hatcher said. “Hopefully that’s it. We’re hoping that will be all.”

Thornton is joined by Chad Bryant and fullback Scott Palmer as the Blazers’ lone running backs.

“Right now, those are the three guys that look the best,” Hatcher said. “We’ll wait and see. We may have to move some guys, but we’re out looking right now to see if we can find another running back.”