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OF NOTE: Enrolled in January after graduating from high school early.

RANKINGS: Listed as the No. 24 running back in the nation and the No. 9 prospect in Pennsylvania by Rivals … Ranked as the No. 245 player in the country, the No. 16 running back in the country and the No. 3 player in his state by 247Sports … Listed as the No. 170 player in the country and the No. 18 running back in the country by Scout … Ranked as the No. 52 running back in the country, the No. 57 player in his region and the No. 9 player in the state by ESPN Recruiting Nation.

THE VITALS: Committed to the Hokies on 12/20/2013 … Participated in Nike’s The Opening … Missed most of his senior season after tearing his right ACL in a Sept. 13 game at Charleroi … On just 36 carries, rushed for 650 yards and 11 touchdowns … Led the WPIAL in rushing with 2,689 yards as a junior … Finished his career with 4,856 rushing yards … Recruited by Scot Loeffler. 

PERSONAL: Shai Avian McKenzie … Born 9/19/95 in Washington, PA … Son of Sean McKenzie and Misty Nolder … Has four siblings: Darnel, Sean, Sheniah and Gabby … Contemplated major is sport management.

WHY HE CHOSE TECH: “I decided on Virginia Tech because it was an area I felt very comfortable with. I like the people I was with on my official [visit] and in the summer time. I could relate to the coaches, and it wasn’t too far for my mom or my dad. My mom lives in Georgia, and my dad lives in Pennsylvania.”