Wilson: Little Giant with Big Shoes to Fill

“With the 32nd pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the World Champion New York Giants select, David Wilson, running back Virginia Tech” said Roger Goodell.  The Former Hokie was selected to the 2011 First-Team All-ACC team, 2011 Second-Team All-American team by The Associated Press, and was the 2011 ACC Overall and Offensive Player of the Year.

The Giants selected the junior running back in beliefs that he can help fill the void of former Giants running back Brandon Jacobs, who left through free agency.  Jacobs, now a San Francisco 49er was the team’s “ground and pound” back, who was a tough guy to bring down because of his size at 6’4”, 264 pounds. Wilson, who is significantly smaller than Jacobs at 5’10”, 205 pounds, led the country last season in yards after contact.

Greg Cosell was able to catch up with Wilson at the NFLPA Rookie Debut and asked him about his style of play and how Virginia Tech has helped prepare him for the next level.

“My style is I’d say versatile like willing to run inside the tackles and I kind of like it more. I look for the contact and try to dominate my defenders and break tackles and that’s something I’ve been known for,” said Wilson.

Last season at Virginia Tech, Wilson ran for a school record of 1,709 yards on 290 carries with nine touchdowns. He had an average of 5.9 yards per carry, while averaging 122.1 yards a game.  Wilson’s performance also helped lead his Hokies to the ALL-STATE SUGAR BOWL game against Michigan.

This past week, the Giants were able to sign the rookie to a four year deal with a fifth year option before the start of the team’s rookie minicamp. Wilson will receive a signing bonus of $3.3 million. With the early signing, this guarantees the team that Wilson will be with them at the start of training camp at the University of Albany in July, compared to other teams who may have to deal with hold outs.

Wilson, who wore number 4 during his time at Virginia Tech, will represent the NY Giants with number thirty-four for this upcoming season.

After only one day of practice, the Giants coaching staff, especially Offensive Coordinator Kevin Gilbride were impressed.  “He looks very fast, which we knew going in. But to actually see it on the field, it was – I’m trying to think of the right word – encouraging, exciting,” said Gilbride.

When asked about if he thought Virginia Tech helped prepare him for the NFL Wilson said, “Yes, that’s the thing Virginia Tech does, a lot of plays and a lot of situations they put you in prepares you for the next level.”

Unlike the likes of Trent Richardson, who will start from day one with the Cleveland Browns, Wilson will have to earn his playing time with the Giants. He is going to be joining the running back crew consisting of Ahmad Bradshaw, D.J. Ware, Da’Rel Scott, and Andre Brown.

Although the task will be challenging, since the team is coming off of a Super Bowl year, it is possible due to the departure of Brandon Jacobs this off-season. Last season the Giants ranked last in the league in rushing, which may work to Wilson’s advantage as the new face in the running back corps.

One thing we know for sure is that if Wilson wants any chance to help contribute to this Giants club or even possibly earn a starting job down the road, he will have to work on his fumbles history.

“Yea, that’s something you definitely want to work on and not think of it too much to tie you up and just not being productive but at the same time like you said turning the ball over it’s not going to help you at all. The good thing about it is, is that I’m starting in the NFL on a clean slate, negatives and positives,” said Wilson.

Although Wilson is a long way from his hometown of Danville, Virginia, he is fortunate that the Giants selected his former college roommate in corner back Jayron Hosley in the third round. Wilson and Hosley were roommates freshman year and played three years together at Virginia Tech, which should ease the transition for Wilson initially.

Compared to other rookies, Wilson will be joining a team who is ready to make another run at a Super Bowl title as repeat champs, having won the trophy two out of the past five seasons. Any time a team has a quarterback such as Eli Manning at the helm, the team is going to have a chance to win games, so as long as Wilson contributes when called upon, the Giants could be dangerous yet again.

By Billy Bonneau