The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/197085
Sometimes, adding just the right person to a team makes all the difference. Contact Andy Carmen (NCSU '79) at 336.714.4111 or acarmen@belldavispitt.com Last year, Thornton was NC State's leading rusher with 694 yards and three touchdowns. photo by ken martin After his experiences, Thornton has become a "firm believer in perseverance." "It will make you a better person," Thornton said. "If you go through a lot to get what you want, then once you got it, it means a lot. It's a blessing to be here, living the moment. "We're NC State, a great program, great coaches, great facilities, and I'm just blessed to be here." "Blessed" is a word that Thornton frequently comes back to when describing his current state of mind. "It really is," Thornton said. "When you are in little league, Pop Warner, you say, 'Hey, I want to be that one day,' and you are here, you are living the dream. I'm just fortunate to be here." Here for Thornton is NC State, and he has vowed to not let his teammates down again. "Just grinding, giving my all, doing whatever I can do to show the team that I want to be here, and that I'm committed to them," Thornton said. "When you get your spot back, it means a lot more to you, and you don't take anything for granted. You run every down like it is your last because you never know." That is perhaps the biggest lesson Thornton has learned in about a year's span that saw him go from sideline to feature running back, back on the sideline and then coming full circle to his role in the NCSU backfield. ■ CONSTRUCTION LAW | REAL ESTATE | CORPORATE | LITIGATION | FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY | EDUCATION | TAX | FAMILY LAW | ESTATE PLANNING/ADMINISTRATION WINSTON SALEM | CHARLOTTE | BELLDAVISPITT.COM BDP.12102.04 AndyCarmenAD_R5.indd 1 9/24/13 12:24 PM AMEDEO'S Italian Restaurant • Tailgate Specials Call us today! 919-851-0473 • Catering • Private Parties November 2013 ■ 99 96,98-99.Shadrach Thornton.indd 99 10/22/13 1:55 PM