David Wilson, a nationally ranked track-and-field performer and an elite running back at Danville's George Washington High School has become the most prominent 2009 Virginia football prospect to commit to Virginia Tech.

Wilson, a 5-foot-11, 190- pounder, ran for 1,551 yards and 17 touchdowns in 2007 and had more than 15 runs of 50 yards or more.

He returned two kickoffs for touchdowns, the first on the opening kickoff of the season, with Hokies' offensive coordinator Bryan Stinespring among those watching.

George Washington head coach Dan Newell said Wilson had a final five of Tech, Auburn, Michigan, Maryland and North Carolina before picking the Hokies over Auburn.

"He wasn't like a middle-of-the-road recruit, just happy to get an offer from an ACC school," said Newell, noting that Wilson averaged more than 11 yards per carry in a two-tailback rotation. "It started out that way for him, but I knew better."

Wilson, who has been timed in 4.39 seconds for 40 yards, captured the national indoor championship in the triple jump and may participate in some field events for Tech's track program.

Now rated one of the top five prospects in Virginia by most services, Wilson had 10 scholarship offers before the end of April and took unofficial visits to Virginia, Clemson and Georgia Tech.

"I think it says something for his openness that he was willing to pursue other options," said Newell, who indicated that Wilson will wait until a Monday news conference to discuss his decision.

"He was wide-open not just at the start, but at the middle, too. He didn't visit Virginia Tech for an unofficial junior day or any other kind of visit until July 7. He'd seen a number of other schools."

Wilson didn't start out with a Virginia Tech affiliation, but he didn't have to look far for a connection.

"There were a lot of factors [in Wilson's decision] that had to do with his familiarity with the school," Newell said. "He'd been up there a number of times for track-and-field events at the indoor facility. There were the three [football players] from GW who were up there. There's the proximity to home."

Tech could have three starters from Danville this year -- defensive end Orion Martin, linebacker Cam Martin and running back Kenny Lewis Jr.

Wilson is the eighth player to commit to the Hokies for 2009 and scholarship restraints may limit Tech to a total of only 12-15.

Wilson and Pulaski County's Nubian Peak are the only running backs on that list, although some view Peak as more of an all-purpose athlete.

"That was definitely a factor," Newell said. "David knows they're not going to recruit another running back and that makes a big difference."