The ACC Digital Network released their Top 25 players in the ACC today, and NC State running back Shadrach Thornton came in at #24.

Here is what they had to say about Thornton:

If there’s one thing that NC State doesn’t need to worry about coming into the 2015 season, it’s their running game. Senior running back Shadrach Thornton leads a Wolfpack rushing attack that averaged 204.5 rushing yards per game (the program’s best since 1992), returns its top three rushers from a season ago and brings in three very talented freshmen. Not only is Thornton the top back for State, he’s one of the best backs in the ACC. His career high 907 yards and 9 touchdowns in 2014 trail only Pittsburgh’s James Connor as the top returning rusher in the conference.

Not only has Thornton proven to be a gifted runner, he’s also shown the ability to be an effective receiver. Thornton’s ability to catch balls out of the backfield may prove to be crucial, as the Wolfpack are extremely thin at wide receiver. Another major concern for Thornton and quarterback Jacoby Brissett is the offensive line. Two new starting tackles will have to get acclimated on the offensive line that will look to open up big holes for Thornton and the bevy of Wolfpack runners.

Thornton has seen increases in total yards, yards per carry and touchdowns in each of his first three seasons in Raleigh, and will need to make it a fourth straight year of increases if he wants to see his NFL draft stock rise and give State a shot at winning the Atlantic division. – Patrick Ronan (ACCDN)