— Shadrach Thornton, North Carolina State's leading rusher from a season ago, is facing a misdemeanor charge of assault on a female following a June arrest.

The sophomore, who closed last season with three consecutive 100-yard games, was arrested at 6:15 p.m. on June 6 on campus. He has a court date set for Aug. 22.

Campus police said witnesses at the D.H. Hill Library on June 5 saw Thornton grab his girlfriend by the arm and push her against the wall.

NC State confirmed Sunday that first-year head coach Dave Doeren is aware of Thornton's arrest and an internal punishment has already been handed out.

"We were made aware of the situation in June, and Shadrach was suspended immediately," Doeren said in a statement. "We have certain standards that we want our players to live by, on and off the field, and he did not live up to those standards. He had to earn his way back into team activities."

NC State did not elaborate on the length of the suspension or what hurdles Thornton had to clear to be reinstated. Thornton is currently participating with the team and was present at the team's media day event Sunday.

Thornton amassed with 694 yards as a freshman while starting just four games. The Hinesville, Ga., native did not play in any of the team's first three games a year ago and fumble issues had him in a backup role as the Wolfpack entered their spring game this season.

The Wolfpack have five scholarship tailbacks on the roster in Tony Creecy, Thornton and three true freshmen – Matthew Dayes, Josh Mercer and Dakwa Nichols.

Dayes, a 5-foot-10, 190-pound back, is expected to contribute in Doeren's offense this season.