Virginia Tech yesterday received its eighth and biggest football commitment for the Class of 2009 when multi-purpose player David Wilson picked the Hokies over Auburn, Clemson and Michigan, among several others.

Wilson, a 5-11 192-pounder from George Washington High in Danville, is rated the No. 4 multi-purpose player in the country by recruiting Web site Rivals.com. Wilson, whom Tech recruited as a running back, ran for 1,550 yards last season and gained 11.4 yards per carry, according to Rivals.

Wilson also won the triple jump this spring at the Group AAA state outdoor track and field championships. He jumped 49 feet, 11 inches. The second-place finisher jumped 48-5 ½. Earlier in the season, Wilson jumped 49-11¼, which ended up being the 17th-best high school mark in the nation this spring.

If Wilson signs with Tech next February, it will mark the second consecutive year the Hokies have signed one of the nation's highest-regarded running backs. The Class of 2008 includes Ryan Williams, from Stonewall Jackson High in Manassas, who was the nation's third-ranked running back, according to Rivals.

Tech junior running back Kenny Lewis Jr. also attended George Washington. Tech recruiting coordinator Jim Cavanaugh, who recruits the Richmond area, said last week that the Hokies will be able to accept 11 to 14 commitments for the Class of 2009.

-- Darryl Slater