Posted by ESPN.com's Heather Dinich

Virginia Tech leading rusher Darren Evans will miss the season with a torn ACL in his left knee, the school announced Tuesday.

"Darren Evans suffered a left knee ACL tear this afternoon," head athletic trainer Mike Goforth said in a prepared statement. "He was evaluated by Dr. Marc Siegel and Dr. Gunnar Brolinson and received an MRI at Montgomery Regional Hospital that showed the ACL tear. He will be re-evaluated later this week to see when the ACL reconstruction surgery will take place. Our hope is to be able to repair the knee prior to classes starting so that he can get started on his rehab and continue his course work.

"Obviously we are all saddened by the results of his MRI, but we all know what type of young man Darren is and we have no doubt that he will come back stronger than ever."

Evans was the MVP of the Orange Bowl and rushed for 1,265 yards and 11 touchdowns last year. He originally sprained his knee in Friday's practice.

Obviously this is devastating, heartbreaking news for the Hokies. The only good news is that Evans was part of a crowded, talented backfield and there are other players who could rise to the occasion, starting with Ryan Williams, who looked amazing this spring. Williams has great strength and speed, and can run over people or around them. He's improved his blocking, but the fact of the matter is he hasn't played in a game yet. He's in the exactly same position Evans was in a year ago. Virginia Tech coach Frank Beamer has also praised the skills of freshman David Wilson this summer, and he'll likely see some significant carries now.

The No. 2 player on the preseason depth chart, though, is actually Josh Oglesby, who sprained his ankle in the final scrimmage of the spring. Oglesby played in 12 games last year and had 38 carries for 88 yards. Clearly the offense will need more from him now. Kenny Lewis Jr. is still struggling to make his way back from a torn Achilles.

How much will this hurt the Hokies' chances at a national championship? Despite the hype surrounding the young, talented newcomers, I still thought Evans was their best back and a huge key to a possible title run. He was a record-setter, and only should have been better behind an improved offensive line this year. This no doubt pushes the Hokies back a step when they were ready to take an Evans-sized burst forward.

How the team responds to this will be the first question. Who emerges will be the second.