The David Wilson Interview
Hailing from Danville, Virginia. David Wilson is one of the most memorable and impactful players in Virginia Tech Football History. During his time at Tech, David saw his first action against the Alabama Crimson Tide and began a legendary career at Virginia Tech. Not only was he named a second-team All American on the football field, David also earned All-America honors at the 2011 NCAA Outdoor National Championships in the triple jump by placing sixth. This made him the first football player to earn All-America honors in both football and track.
And the memories... Lets talk about a few.
2010 Game Winning Kick Return vs Georgia Tech on Thursday Night
2011 "No. No. YES!" Run vs Clemson
2011 Laying the BOOM on Bashaud Breeland
David Wilson finished his Hokie career as the record holder for most 100+ yard performances (10 in 2011) and career yards-per-carry (5.76). He was a 2-time ACC Coastal Champion and ACC Champion in 2010. But he wasn't just a tremendous athlete in between the lines. David was a character and fan favorite for the entirety of his career. We've all heard the stories of him catching squirrels and rabbits with his bare hands around campus or running all the way up the siding of Cassell Coliseum (and back down safely). He dressed up for class every single day and traveled around in his beloved 1978 Thunderbird. Oh, and the backflips... David was as talented as he was charismatic and you cannot tell the story of Virginia Tech Football without mentioning, David Wilson.
After forgoing his senior year to pursue his dream of playing in the NFL, he impressed scouts at the NFL Combine. After clocking in at a 4.49 on the 40 yard dash and a position group best 41 inch vertical jump and 11 foot broad jump, David was selected with the 32nd pick in the 2012 NFL Draft by the defending Super Bowl Champion New York Giants and made an immediate impact. In his one year with the Giants, He was named a Second-team All-Pro and landed a spot on the All-Rookie Team. His best game came against the New Orleans Saints where he finished with 327 all-purpose yards (227 returning yards and 100 on the ground) with 3 touchdowns. This made him the first player with 200 kick return yards and 100 rushing yards.
Sadly, after that incredible season Wilson was placed on the season-ending IR after a week 5 match-up with the Philadelphia Eagles following a diagnosis of spinal stenosis. But David didn't skip a beat. He announced immediately following his retirement from the NFL that he was going to return to track and field as a triple jumper and placed 9th in the Adidas Grand Prix after posting a jump of 14.66 meters.
Today, David lives in the Atlanta Georgia area, where he raises his 3 kids and has been focused on sharing his talents in the studio as a musical artist. Expressing his thoughts, feelings, and emotions thru music, sound, and poems. (See some of his work below).
David was one of a kind and continues to take on every challenge, endeavor, and craft the only way he knows how... A dead-on sprint.