Coach Jerry Moore said Tuesday he hopes Tharrington will learn from his mistakes and regain his eligibility next year.
The 6-foot-1, 275-pound redshirt junior was projected to anchor the defensive line at right end this season.
A 2005 Southern Nash High School graduate, Tharrington was fifth on the team last year with 84 tackles, including a team-high 18 for a loss. The Mountaineers won their third straight Football Championship Subdivision title this past year.
The Spring Hope, N.C., native tied for the team lead with five sacks and forced two fumbles.