In light of the terrible news about David Wilson, I thought it appropriate to have a David Wilson appreciation thread where we can share our best/favorite memories of one of the best backs to ever wear the O&M. It can be anything - favorite play (VT or pro), some kind of personal interaction with him, favorite sound bite, etc. He's one of my favorite Hokies and I'm sure many of you feel the same, so let's honor him with as many comments as possible. Shoot, with the way TKP has blown up (congrats on the press creds!) maybe the thread can get back to him and give him something to smile about.
I'll start: He had countless great plays for us but the one that's stuck with me is the kickoff return against georgia tech in 2010 that all but sealed the game (with a little help from Roc). It was a Thursday night game in LANE, going against our division foes, tie game with a couple minutes left and it looked like our win streak was in jeopardy. Then DMFW saved the day in a dramatic fashion that will always be one of my all time favorite LANE moments. And the way he celebrated by jumping with pure joy, it was perfect. Every time, I look at the picture of him in the air, I can't help but smile and relive the memory in my head. I'm sure that's many of yours favorite too but feel free to share your perspective on it if necessary.
Show David some love. What's your favorite memory?
Comments
Nothing quite like stiff arming a hoo into the ground as you waltz into the end zone.
That game in 2010 is a great memory for me as well. I remember watching that game with my brother, also a VT Alum, in Afghanistan eating breakfast. We were the only ones standing up yelling. Wishing DW the best of luck in his future.
Guys, we can't add "MF" between the initials of every player. There was RMFW and that's it.
Have to concur, hard to be a MF when you run backwards 30 yards on first and goal from the 6...
Ugh, this play is (sadly) my most vivid DW memory. We marched right down the field against them until that ridiculous cut back he made. An opening TD would have been real nice. Oh well, best of luck to David in whatever he chooses to do next, I have no doubt that he will be successful.
I thought he was "David Wilson Eats Chick-fil-A on Sundays"?
Too long. That's why I came up with DW, fuck yea!
edited
Thanks for doing this. I just went and watched highlights and I can't come up with only one. He was a joy to watch play. One thing I never noticed before is how many of his highlights came against Wake Forest. They must still have nightmares about him.
While not football related it would have to be climbing up to the top of the basketball coliseum, who does that?
um, I thought that was on every graduating senior's bucket list along with hitting the steam tunnels. Or did I just have a very unique vt experience?
Hmm, I definitely hit the steam tunnels but I missed the climb I am afraid...
Did that, went a looong way too. Can you still get into them?...
I spent my teens playing around campus in the 80s.
My friend and I actually found a way from the tunnels up into carillon tower of Burruss one night.
Good times.
Not saying Ive done it. But if you do, make sure your shoes are tied tight. The walk down is very hard with one shoe
A lot of people climb the arches of Cassell. I watched a friend of mine and his roomate do it freshman year (I was too inebriated, so I stayed on the ground).
What David Wilson (allegedly) did was run up the arches to the top. That is a feat worthy of legend.
Besides the Nebraska game and a couple of Miami games, I've never heard Lane as loud as it was on that Night game when DW ran back that kick off to win the game. I was actually in west (girlfriends dads tickets) wasted and these old ladies kept pushing me while I was jumping in excitement. I'll never forget that game. That was the year after GT lost to Iowa in the Orange Bowl, I think.
One that sticks with me is a play he didn't even make. Miami was so concerned about David Wilson, VT ran a fake sweep on 4th down, and everybody in a Hurricanes jersey followed Wilson, allowing LT to walk UNTOUCHED right up the middle of the field to put VT ahead in the 4th quarter of a contested game. That play doesn't happen without the respect they had for Wilson.
Downvote this!? Must be big fingered oops. Otherwise, kill the troll!!
Maybe they got the sads since he's not playing anymore.
Absolutely true. In the same game (I think) there was a play where David almost got tackled by Miami defender and does like a front flip looking motion and keeps going. Not sure if video exists since it didn't result in a TD but that was amazing.
I actually linked it in another thread, but will here, too. It's probably my favorite DW moment.
His balance was just unbelievable
Someone help me out with a link to video: What about David Wilson's amazing zig-zagging run against Clemson where he ran sideways about 50 yards, shedding tackles, staying on his feet. Almost broke it for a TD and gave VT hope that they might actually be able to score a TD and close the gap.
Do not post his run against Michigan in the Sugar Bowl. too soon.
That was probably the only highlight of that game.
That one turned into a highlight but until he finally crossed scrimmage I was screaming at the tv for him to just go down.
Every time he cut back towards the LOS 2 or 3 orange jerseys appeared. If that one guy towards the end had actually tackled him instead of throwing him backwards, we'd be talking a loss (of yards). In effect, tossing him back gave him the extra space he needed to go left again.
I met the guy at a track meet after the 2011 season when I was in high school and was as excited as a kid in a candy store when I recognized him. He took a picture with me and signed it and everything. He was just a really nice guy and one of my favorite players to ever put on the O&M. If you want a good play, just look at the Miami game where he plants his head in a defender's belly, keeps his balance, and keeps running. Awesome.
I believe 2:20 mark of this video was David Wilson's first TD if i am not mistaken.
Also his first moment was in the Alabama game that same year when Roberts fielded a kick off in the second half and Wilson ran past him to make a block
He (and Ryan Williams) completely shredded Marshall that game. I broke my ankle pretty badly the day before playing football on the drillfield, so I had my mom take me straight to LANE from the hospital for the game. I was in pain the whole game but it was worth it to see them crush it the way they did.
One play that sticks out for me was his first carry as a starter/carry of the season (iirc) against App State my senior year. Took it to the house for a TD. Knew it was gonna be smooth sailing with him at the helm from then on
If I remember correctly, he called his shot on that play. He reportedly told the coaches something to the effect of, "The first time I touch the ball, I'm scoring a touchdown." And he did.
I believe he told the coaches he didn't even need to know the play call cause he was gonna crib it on his first touch.
In 2010 (Tyrod's senior year) we were trying to recover from the JMU debacle. We all knew the team had tons of talent, but just needed to get it together. We were down 10 to a 4-0 ranked NCSt team qb-ed by Russel Wilson at the half. David Wilson opens the half with a 92 yard kick-return for a TD to really get the rally going. We go on to win, and then tear through the ACC undefeated. It was one of my favorite teams - so much guts and favorite players.
This one's especially sweet for me, because I was at the game (it was away) with a ton of NCSt friends, and they were feeling quite good at the half.
That's one of my favorites. I believe we were down 17 before we started to come back. Scored to close the 1st half then DW had that opening kick-off return in the 2d half. My buddy was there and said the NCST crowd got so quiet. Said it was awesome. That was an awesome game. I believe J Hosely had 3 pics in that game as well.
Wasn't that NC St game the largest comeback in Beamer's career?
Yup. We were down 17 early in the 2nd quarter. Had all the look of a blowout.
The Pack was also undefeated coming into that game.
They also still had Russell Wilson.
I feel like that kick sort of saved the season. For me at least. That game felt like a turning point.
That play was incredible. We scored before half to cut it to 17-7, then DW housed the opening kickoff of the second half and the offense took off from there. Having been at that game, it completely took the air out of the NC State fans, particularly their student section.
Awesome moment that definitely swung that game.
That was also Russell Wilson's last home loss until the Cardinals beat the Seahawks last fall.
Hosely's first Int that game, you could tell he was a special athlete.
I turned to my wife and told her that kid was gonna INT his way into record books. Start looking for #20 jerseys for me because I'm a fan.
Living in Raleigh, that was one of my favorite games. Didn't get tickets, but tailgated in the lots anyway. Had some pretty graphic trash talk thrown my way from various drunken idiots on their way into the stadium. Went to a bar near my apartment, down the road from Carter Finley and I think was the only Hokie in there, surrounded by probably 150 State fans by the time the game really got going. Kept my mouth absolutely shut during the first half when NCSU rolled up that big lead (not getting baited into a flame-war with the trash talkers). There was a guy in the booth next to us that threw endless crap in my direction, and I just kept smiling, laughing, and replying with "game's not over yet".
The second DW housed the opening kickoff in the second half, the attitude in the bar completely changed to a "oh god no" kind of vibe. The mouthy State fans who were overly puffy chested in the first half wouldn't even make eye contact in the second half. By the time Evans took in the final TD, there might have been 15 fans left. That was a very, very sweet win. They were SO certain they were going to destroy us before the game, they were even more confident during the game, and we slapped them back to reality to end it. I haven't heard a word from a State fan about football since.
Our secondary had to bail out our Front-7 so many times that season.
There's just something about NC state and winning streaks.
DC19's still open and DW4 is still running
This image will be the lasting impression I have of David Wilson.
I seem to remember another kickoff return for a TD in a critical game. Starting the 2nd half we receive...Maybe NCST in 2010 or '11?
Edit: A post above answered this for me.
GT Thursday night in the 4th quarter
EDIT: I should read the articles
We need a David Wilson highlight reel/nostalgic appreciation video.
This is the longest one I could find (that's what she said!).
Get Billdozer drunk so he can create a tribute video with better production values, worthy of the David Wilson legend.
I know, right? Tribute video
So awesome. The chills I just got from watching that made this thread worthwhile. Thanks for posting.
My freshman year he retweeted me a couple times...Got me all warm and fuzzy inside
DW is one of my hubby's favorite Hokies. I bought my husband a mini helmet autographed by David as a wedding present in the hopes that he would be wildly successful. Sad to see his career end like this.
Got her husband a helmet for a wedding present?
I don't want the details, but I'm just going to go ahead and guess:
BEST. WEDDING. NIGHT. EVER!
I will remember David Wilson not only for his on-field fireworks, but as much for the personality that he exudes. Only kid that I can think of who wore a coat and tie to class throughout high school and college and even to the combine interviews (because as he said, this was his big job interview). He was and always will be a class act!
Just saw David Wilson discussing with great emotion the end of his career. Even though he is crying "tears of joy" (as he says, in gratitude for the support he has had from family and fans throughout his career), it is very difficult to watch. Here is a link to a shortened view of it (sorry, it is on ESPN): http://espn.go.com/new-york/nfl/story/_/id/11317319/david-wilson-new-yor...
that was one of the hardest speeches I have listened to/watched. I have the chills and a couple tears slide down my face for sure.
Circular, but I'm sure DW appreciates all of this. Sucks his football career is over, but he is still a solid individual!
Right before that ko return against fake Tech, the guy next to me said 'he's gonna run it back.' Me, being all negative perhaps due to the raging 4th quarter hangover I was experiencing said something along the lines of 'man, he aint runnin shit back! It's going into overtime.'
Then he ran it back. It was incredible being in the East Stands because I saw the hole open up and it was as wide as the New River. And he just ran through it. I was like three rows up high fiving and hugging people I didn't know.
Thank You David. We're behind you in whatever you choose to do.
DW 4EVER. In fact, that should be his nickname: DW4EVER
i know this one wasnt as memoriable a moment for everyone but i was at the game so it made it that much awesomer for me it was at WF a night game, i believe they were ranked beating FSU the week before, dw stats werent that impressive in that game 136 rushing yards but he had a carry where he lost his shoe and ran for like another 40 yards and some of the plays just the way he stayed on his feet after contact was crazy! loved him! wish him the best! truely a great kid and a great football player proud to say he is part of hokie nation.
was part of hokie nation?
IS part of Hokie Nation
you are right sir
David Wilson needs to be honored at a VT game this year. How about vs Miami on a Thursday night in lane wearing ALLMAROON with a DW4 patch.
That would be sick!
I think Whit is the type of AD who can make this happen. I am a huge fan of the way he is handling his new role and bringing a fresh take on VT athletics. I think Lane would take up all of halftime just showing DW love.
Thanks Billdozer for this enlightening clip from a few years back
I've never seen that...wow! This guy is blazing fast. Thanks for sharing! Do any of you think he'd consider pursuing track as a career?
at the end of this video the 1st clip on the top left corner is some USA vs france highschool highlights with some pretty BA stuff by dave as well. check it out if you have time.
Someone needs to tweet this thread to DW4
To add my two cents, I think it's his general love for life. The child-like sense of humor, his clean (but comical) pranks, his ability to catch rabbits bare-handed...I just admired everything about the guys approach to the grind. Always positive, always acknowledging God, making those around him better, and always putting a smile on your face. Much love, DW.
I really smiled when I heard that he wore a blazer and tie to class everyday. Who does that? Especially a freshman. I wore the smae sweatpants and VT sweatshirt for 3 semesters. This guy just was a different cat.
The energy that he brought to every play was unreal. If you could field a team full of his attitude they'd be unstoppable.
I feel so bad for David, he is a genuine good guy. In today's age there are very few professional athletes with his talent level that have the same outlook on life that he has. He is an inspiration to all of us to keep pushing and fighting no matter what obstacles are presented to us in our life. Let's get this man a job with the football program, there is no doubt he would add value to our team immediately. Cheers to you #4.
Not particularly amazing play, but for me because it was my first game at Lane…hosting BC, wearing the orange jerseys & white pants (2011?), DW front flips into the endzone to finish a long TD run, one of that game's few memorable plays. Also the game I was introduced to the paper ticket airplane. The weather was perfect, a 1:30 start, IIRC.
Loved the passion and speed he brought to the field. He's a great guy and my heart goes out to him. God bless.
Did he get his degree? If not, I hope we have something set up where he can come back and finish his education.
I have a friend who along with her husband was trying to have a kid. After the GT game where David took the kickoff back for a TD; she got a photo op with him at TOTS. They welcomed a kid into the world 9 months later. I'm not saying that DW was directly responsible; but they had been trying for awhile and maybe the thrilling Thursday night win helped. Sadly, they did not name the boy David.
Surely they named it Davide right??? Italian maybe??
So what you're saying is David got your friend pregnant just by taking a picture with her?
I would hope we've already offered the kid a scholarship
It was already mentioned above, but my favorite David Wilson memory was his first TD of the 2011 season, which came on the first offensive play against App St. I was sick of all the offseason talk about how our offense would struggle without Tyrod and Evans/RMFW; and I was also tired of the endless App St/Michigan/JMU upset scenarios. David Wilson quickly put all those doubts to rest with one carry, and we knew we had something special.
Look how excited he was after that play. He played with passion!
Ohh god chills everywhere!!!!! I hope that this is exactly how the Bill&Mary game starts out. Either a big kick return or we force an early turnover and boom TD next play!
I'm pretty certain the energy DMFW generates is equivalent to a 1800 MW nuclear reactor, and he'll succeed at whatever he chooses to do next. Go DW4, Go Hokies, and Go Giants!