The University of Miami can't seem to catch a break on the injury front. The Canes announced Thursday that junior DT Marcus Forston suffered a non-contact knee injury during practice the previous day and will miss the remainder of the 2011 season.

He is the second defender lost for the season this week. LB Ramon Buchanan was announced out for the year on Monday due to a knee injury he sustained last week against Bethune-Cookman.

Forston had collected 5 tackles and a sack in three games this season. He was one of the eight players suspended for the Maryland game on Labor Day for taking impermissible benefits from disgraced booster Nevin Shapiro.

Adewale Ojomo will take Forston's place on the defensive line. The two were listed as co-starters on the depth chart released earlier this week.

Ojomo is a converted defensive end who weighs 265 pounds, about 35 less than Forston. Earlier this week, Ojomo said he doesn't believe his lack of typical lineman size would hurt him at the new position.

"I think it's more of a mentality than anything," Ojomo said. "I think I've got an edge with quickness and speed."

Miami has struggled against the run in 2011. The Canes are currently ranked 105th in rushing yards allowed per game with 202.3, and 106th in yards allowed per carry with 5.0.

Their difficulties stopping the run will be magnified this week when the team faces Virginia Tech. Hokies RB David Wilson is one of the top backs in the nation, averaging 127.8 yards rushing per game this season.

Forston is eligible to return to the Hurricanes in 2012. He had been planning to examine his NFL draft status after this season, but the injury will reduce his likelihood of leaving UM early.

This is the second time he's had a college season cut short by injury. He received a medical redshirt after playing only three games in 2009.