NC State will be without leading rusher Shadrach Thornton for the first two games of the season after coach Dave Doeren suspended the senior for a violation of department rules.
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.
This is Thornton's second suspension in the past two seasons, after he was held out of the 2013 opener for a misdemeanor assault charge. Those charges were later deferred. Thornton was also suspended indefinitely last spring after being charged with marijuana possession, but he did not miss game action.
Thornton has led the Wolfpack in rushing in each of the past three seasons, and only Pitt's James Conner returns for 2015 with more rushing yards in a career among ACC tailbacks. Last year Thornton rushed for a career-best 907 yards and nine touchdowns.
In Thornton's absence, NC State will turn to Matt Dayes, who was effective both as a runner and receiver last season, while freshman Reggie Gallaspy could see action as well.
Tailback Johnny Frasier, NC State's top recruit last season, could be an option as well, but Doeren suggested earlier this month that the freshman was likely to redshirt.
NC State opens with home games against Troy and Eastern Kentucky. Thornton will be eligible to return for the Wolfpack's Sept. 19 trip to Old Dominion.