Virginia Tech RB Shai McKenzie out for season
Virginia Tech will be without one of its top rushing threats for the rest of the season.
The program announced Sunday that true freshman running back Shai McKenzie suffered a torn ACL in his right knee during Saturday’s win over Western Michigan.
Per a release from the program, doctors will “let the swelling in the knee subside” before McKenzie undergoes surgery in October. The injury will also keep him out of spring practice before the 2015 season.
McKenzie, a native of Washington, Pa., injured the same knee last September during his senior year of high school.
Through five games, the 5-foot-11, 221-pound McKenzie was second on the team with 269 rushing yards on 53 carries for the 3-2 Hokies. The former four-star recruit also led the team with three rushing touchdowns.
With McKenzie out, fellow true freshman Marshawn Williams, also a four-star recruit, will see an increased role instead of splitting the bulk of the carries with McKenzie. On 65 carries, Williams has 290 yards to lead the team. Additionally, junior J.C. Coleman and freshman Joel Caleb could be in line for more carries. Sophomore Trey Edmunds, who ran for 675 yards last season, should also work his way back into the mix.
Coming off a 35-17 home win over Western Michigan over the weekend, the Hokies will take on North Carolina on the road Saturday afternoon.
For more Virginia Tech news, visit HokieHaven.com.
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Sam Cooper is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!
