Beamer: Wilson will play, not redshirt

Published Aug. 30, 2010 1:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

Virginia Tech coach Frank Beamer says speedy sophomore tailback David Wilson will play instead of redshirting this season for the 10th-ranked Hokies.

Virginia Tech has had record-setting freshmen tailbacks in the past two seasons in Darren Evans and Ryan Williams, and both are healthy. That led to speculation Wilson would sit out and retain three years of eligibility.

But Beamer says Wilson has been too good in practice and scrimmages to hold out.

Wilson is expected to return kickoffs for the Hokies. He led the team with 61 yards on 11 carries in their final scrimmage Saturday. He also returned a kickoff 43 yards.

The Hokies open against third-ranked Boise State on Monday in Landover, Md.