Huge Blow For Hokies: Darren Evans Tears ACL

(Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

It was officially announced today that Darren Evans tore his ACL in practice. He had sprained it during Friday's practice and was trying to go today.

Unfortunately things got ugly.

Evans was arguably VT's best offensive player last year. Evans rushed for 1,265 yards and 11 touchdowns last year, as a red-shirt freshman. He also averaged 4.4 yards per carry.

This certainly hurts Virginia Tech's running game. However, it does open the door for red-shirt sophomore Josh Oglesby, red-shirt freshman Ryan Williams, and true freshman David Wilson.

There is a lot of hype surrounding Wilson and Williams, but starting experienced is something you can't replace. Now the only Virginia Tech running back to ever play in a game is Oglesby.

The focal point of Tech's offense is their running game, so this will be a huge blow to an offense that has struggled over the past few years.

Evans has already used a red-shirt, but should qualify for a medical red-shirt this season. Although it is unlikely he will be granted a sixth year.

This obviously hurts VT's chances in their opener against Alabama, who has one of the best run defenses in the country.

However, reports from practice are extremely positive about Williams, Wilson, and Oglesby. The young guys are going to have to step up and fill some very large shoes.

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