ACC Position Rankings: Top 10 running backs entering 2015

Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports

Thornton has improved each year and should continue that trend in 2015. He finished with an astounding 5.5 yards-per-carry last season, accumulating 907 yards and nine touchdowns. He also caught 15 passes for 133 yards. In his freshman year, Thornton caught 30 passes – proving that he has the ability to be one of the best dual-threat backs in the ACC.

Other than quarterback Jacoby Brissett, Thornton is the go-to guy on offense. He can always be relied on in short yardage situations and can even surprise defenses with a long reception. He is the full-time starter and if he keeps improving like he has in his career at NC State, Thornton should be able to accumulate over 1,000 yards for the first time in his career.

The dual-threat running back is a very valuable piece to the NC State offense and like Clemson’s Deshaun Watson and Wayne Gallman, Thornton and Brissett can become a very dominant duo in the ACC.

Next: Joseph Yearby