D.J. Green Suspended For Entire N.C. State Season Due To Drug Test

The N.C. State Wolfpack will be without starting linebacker D.J. Green for all of 2012 after he tested positive for an unnamed banned substance. The suspension was the NCAA's doing, says the rising junior, who does have a redshirt season to spend.

During the offseason, I wanted to gain weight so I took a supplement that someone from home gave to me. I wasn't responsible enough to check with our coaches to make sure that it was something legal and now I'm paying the consequences. I apologize to my teammates, my coaches and to all the Wolfpack fans and hope that other players out there learn from my mistake. Even though it breaks my heart that I won't be able to play next year, I will work hard every day in practice to help try to make my teammates better.

Now that State's missing its top four tacklers at the linebacker level from last season -- Green, Audie Cole, Dwayne Maddox, and Terrell Manning -- linebackers coach Jon Tenuta will have to raise up a whole new second line. Zach Gentry, Michael Peek, and Ryan Cheek figure to get plenty of snaps.

Green finished ninth on the team in tackles in 2011 despite missing six games due to injury. He also had a pick, a sack, and four pass break-ups.

For more on Wolfpack football, visit N.C. State blog Backing The Pack.