According to Joe Giglio of the News & Observer, Dave Doren announced today that Senior running back Shadrach Thornton has been suspended for the first two games of the 2015 season.  Doeren didn’t reveal what the violation was, but it had to do with an incident that happened six months ago.

According to ESPN’s Brett McMurphy, the suspension is due to a 2nd failed drug test.

The school confirmed the violation occurred during the spring. A source told ESPN’s Brett McMurphy that Thornton was suspended for a second failed drug test. (ESPN)

Thornton was a Preseason 2nd Team All-ACC selection, and will be missed by the Wolfpack.  His backup will obviously be Junior Matt Dayes, but expect to get a good dose of RS Sophomore Dawka Nichols and True Freshman Reggie Gallaspy.  According to Doeren, Freshman Johnny Frasier will likely not be part of filling in for Thornton in his absence.  The tentative plan is to redshirt Frasier.

Thornton came into this season with a very serious goal of being the first NC State running back to rush for 1,000 yards since T.A. McLendon did it back in 2002.  The odds of that happening just got a lot worse.