Freshman tailback Shai McKenzie is out for the season after suffering a torn ACL in his right knee against Western Michigan.
McKenzie will have surgery in October when the swelling subsides. He tore the ACL in the same knee last September as a senior in high school. After enrolling at Tech in January to rehab, he quickly became one of Tech’s rising stars as a true freshman, rushing for 106 yards in his college debut against William & Mary.
For the season, McKenzie had run for 269 yards and three touchdowns on 53 carries, while averaging 5.1 yards per carry.
Marshawn Williams is expected to continue in his role as Tech’s starter. The Tech coaches have a decision to make as to who will get carries as the #2 tailback. The options are r-sophomore Trey Edmunds, junior J.C. Coleman, and r-sophomore Joel Caleb. Edmunds is coming off a broken leg that he suffered last season against UVA. He led the Hokies in rushing a year ago with 675 yards, scoring 10 touchdowns while averaging 4.1 yards per carry.
Those three backs have put up the following numbers this year…
J.C. Coleman: 13 carries, 36 yards, 2.3 ypc, 1 TD
Joel Caleb: 9 carries, 64 yards, 7.1 ypc, 3 catches for 23 yards
Trey Edmunds: 5 carries, 32 yards, 6.4 ypc
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“Shai” is the “Guy”!!!
He is done. Same knee. It’s a shame because he was our best back by far!
Talk to Lee Suggs. I remember him quoted as feeling that his injured knee was actualy better when he came back, he felt faster. May not be the exact injury, but maybe there is some good advice there. Take the time to get this healed.
you’ll be back – stronger than ever. we’re behind you. Terrible injury for a running back. But not insurmountable. Good luck.
Prayers for Shai. God bless!
Hate it!!! Good luck SM22…God speed, and we’ll be ready to see you again next year bud.
It’s a no brainer with Trey. Why does Beamer not see this.
Who says he doesn’t?
God Bless Shai….I HOPE this isn’t something that can’t be fixed sufficiently to let him play at his 100% potential. More for HIM than for us; although we’ll DAMN sure miss him..
This just plain SUCKS OUT LOUD!!
Hate this for him…been saying since Week 1 he was our best back. Best wishes for a full recovery!
Take a redshirt next year, let it heal!
I agree completely!! If he’s torn up the right knee twice, he better get it back in tip-top shape before playing again. 3 strikes on the same wheel and you’re out.
Tis a pity, I really like the young man’s style with the rock.
Dang Shai, you are beast at RB. The rest of the guys will step up and rally for you while you’re on the mend.
Hang tough!
HokieGT
Class of 78
Hang in there Shai! Thank you for giving it your all and being a HOKIE!
HOKIE NATION is wishing a solid and full recovery for you. Get that knee right and focus on school and all will fall back in place in a ~year or so.
Go Shai!
Prayers to Shai. So sorry that you will, once again, have to climb that rehab mountain. But we know you can do it and we will wait to welcome you back with open arms. Godspeed in your healing. Stay strong.
Thank You for your comments!
May the Lord bless and strengthen you Shai in your resolve and courage. May the physicians and therapists who treat you have the healing touch. Many thousands of Hokie students, alumni and fans are behind you whether you play another down of football or move on to your other pursuits.