AthlonSports.com football editor Steven Lassan picked former Liberty County High School standout Shadrach Thornton among his top-20 running backs in the ACC for the 2013 season.
Thornton, who plays for North Carolina State, was No. 8 on Lassan’s list.
Lassan said Thornton was a major contributor for the Wolfpack as a true freshman last year. Thornton had 694 yards and three scores. Lassan also noted that Thornton was critical to the Wolfpacks’ passing game, catching 30 passes for 274 yards and one score.
Thornton had three 100-yard efforts during the final four games, including 114 yards and one touchdown against Clemson.
Thornton’s teammate, Tony Creecy, also made the list at No. 12.
The Wolfpack will start the season under the direction of a new head coach, Dave Doeren. Doeren, who coached Northern Illinois to the Orange Bowl last year, took over for Tom O’Brien in December.