What Should Virginia Tech do with Running Back David Wilson?
by furrer4heisman on Aug 23, 2010 8:00 AM EDT
in Virginia Tech Football
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PrintComing into preseason practice, Virginia Tech sophomore running back David Wilson was expected to be redshirted. It seemed like an obvious decision, given that most of the carries in 2010 would likely be distributed between Ryan Williams and Darren Evans.
But Wilson stated it was his goal to make that decision a tough one for Frank Beamer, Bryan Stinespring and Billy Hite and so far he's done that by turning heads in the Hokies' practices and first preseason scrimmage. Saturday, he made the decision of whether or not to redshirt him even harder by running for 38 yards on six carries, including a 12-yard touchdown.
We knew from his experience last season that Wilson is fast. And from the videos of the scrimmages and various practice reports, it appears his decision making has become better and quicker when in the backfield. It's obvious to everyone around the program that his future is very bright. But the question remains, what should be done with Wilson this year?
Redshirt Him
Wilson backed up Ryan Williams last year as a true freshman and also got experience in the return game. Most of his carries came in garbage time, but it appears he learned from that experience and has become more of a running back and not just a guy carrying the ball. Still, as long as Williams and Evans stay healthy, Wilson probably isn't going to get more than five carries per game, which I think would be a waste. Redshirting him will allow him to possibly take over as Tech's primary running back next year, assuming Ryan Williams leaves early for the NFL.
Play Him at RB
The way Wilson has played in the preseason probably would have earned him significant carries at any school in the country except maybe Alabama. Those who want Wilson to play probably think so because he's earned it and because his speed could be a valuable weapon for the Hokies. I mean, if you're going to make a run at the national championship with a four-year starter at quarterback, you might as well use every bullet you've got, right?
Play Him at Flanker
Again, at most schools, Wilson could just be moved to wide receiver for this season and used in ways that take advantage of his speed. Unfortunately, the Hokies already have three flankers who will probably contribute significantly this season: Danny Coale, Dyrell Roberts and Marcus Davis. There really isn't room for Wilson at flanker, either. And why move him over to flanker and force him to learn another position when his future is at running back, even if it is for one season? Even if he redshirts and is used solely on the scout team, he's still going to build his skills at RB.
Play Him Only as a Kick Returner
This would be really stupid.
So what's your vote? What do you think we should do with Wilson this year? It seems we were having the same argument about Logan Thomas last year and in the end redshirting won out. I think Wilson should be redshirted and used only if there's an emergency. But my vote counts the same as yours, even in our poll.
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I think I fall into the play him just for the sake that he’s a playmaker. Stiney will have enough two back sets that he’ll at least be an effective decoy at points, even when he doesn’t have the ball in his hands. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him get some snaps in the slot in an attempt to get him into space with the ball (even though he’s not the best receiver out of the backfield). Even if we redshirt him, there’s no guarantee he wouldn’t bolt after next season, and I think assuming that a kid with this ability taking a redshirt and playing a full three more years in Blacksburg is a bit of a pipe dream. Play him now and see what happens.
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I really think that this is a tougher choice to make than LT
The joke is if you have a problem at having to many of 1 position that is a problem you want to have, but I disagree. Wilson is to much talent to waste with 5 carries and sitting on the sideline. You have hit the point though with that he is a to talented to just return kicks and we have have to much talent at wide out to really use him there. They shy away from using offensive kids on defense or we could see him in a CB spot or maybe LB. This is were we really have to put faith in Wilson, Stiney, and Beamer. Again redshirting him (which is unlikely) really only does well if he stays 4 year (which he may not). We need to find a way to put him on the field and create yet another threat for defenses to have to cover.
I agree
I really doubt Wilson would stay another 4 years, so why waste a year in redshirt? NFL teams covet speedsters that can return kicks and be explosive from backfield. Reggie Bush, Darren Sproles, CJ Spiller….
Kick returner, Running back, Flanker, Wild Turkey, anywhere on the field. Just keep him moving and defenses guessing. He’s a threat to score anytime he touches the ball.
by Chazz Micheal Michealzz on Aug 23, 2010 1:10 PM EDT up reply actions
Play him now
Run what ya brung, Frank. He’s another bullet in that gun. Any guy can go down with an injury at any time.
He’s gotta see the field at RB. Can you imagine what we can do with a RB of Ryan, Darren, or David’s caliber in the game AND FRESH at any point during the game?
Why bring only 2 clips to the gun fight when you have 3 loaded & ready?
If the thunder don't get ya then the lightning will!!
Robert Hunter
Wilson should not be redshirted.
David Wilson is perhaps the most gifted player on the Hokie football team and it would be for everyones interest that he should not redshirt. The way I see if is Wilson would be on the field for every KR and PR. He should see 8-10 carries per game and possible 3-4 targets as a receiver. If nothing else he will be a decoy and affect the other teams defense whenever he steps foot on the field. Imagine going to a double back set Williams/Evans on one side and Wilson on the other. Then TT audibles out Wilson splits out in the slot the other teams D starts freaking wondering should they put a safety on him but run the risk a huge gain on a run with less people on the 2nd level or shift a LB who will not be able to keep with Wilson and risk a quick pass that could go for 6pts.
A decoy
You think it’s already been determined he’s playing this year? And all of this see-sawing back and forth on redshirt/no redshirt is just a decoy of it’s own? That DW is already well entrenched in the VT offense and that he’ll be a solid part of the mix on Labor Day?
As good as DW is...
…the Broncos wouldn’t gameplan for him even if they did know he was playing. You have to gameplan against one of the best running backs in the nation, but DW brings nothing extra to the table except maybe a tad extra speed over RW which he has yet to show yet.
eh tough call, but redshirt.
As valuable as Wilson is, as talented as he is, I think it would beneft Williams and Evans if Wilson sits. Last year, tech’s RB’s averaged 33 combined carries a game (I did the math). Williams’ carries will decrease with Evans back, and even more if they try to split with Wilson. Let’s face it RW and DE are thinking about looking good for the NFL draft. They want to get into a rhythm in the game. I just think they don’t want to have 11 carries for 55 yards every game. Do you guys think that would be an issue? I don’t want Stinespring or the RB’s to stress about carry distribution. If the unspeakable happens, the coaches seem to have a lot of confidence in Tony Gregory.
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