After a four-hour tour of Blacksburg on Monday, Oscar Smith running back Deshawn McClease pointed to Wednesday.

Down to Virginia Tech and Maryland as choices, he wanted a day to think on it.

"I just wanted to get my parents up here," McClease said Monday evening. "I've been to Tech a bunch of times; they haven't seen it yet."

As it turned out, McClease didn't need the extra day.

Matthew Hatfield of VirginiaPreps.com reported his committment this evening. Larry Rubama of The Virginian Pilot got the details of 17-year-old's (who turns 18 on Wednesday) accelerated timeline from Oscar Smith head coach Richard Morgan.

"I know he wanted to make an announcement on his birthday," said Oscar Smith coach Richard Morgan. "But I told him it's going to be harder to keep it a secret until Wednesday night. If you know your decision it you might want to do it (Tuesday) and wake up on your birthday and be happy that it's over with."

McClease, rated as a 3-star prospect by the 247Sports Composite, chose Virginia Tech over Maryland.

The final trip to Tech could have sealed the deal for the family. McClease's parents, Shawn and Tiffany, toured the campus and met with many Hokies coaches.

"Coach Beamer told me he wanted me here," the 5-foot-9 tailback said. "He said, 'we wouldn't offer you if we didn't think you could help us win ACC Championships.'"

McClease cited proximity and his ability to "simply be happy" as key factors in his decision.

He also did research on his likely major, business.

The three-year starter for the Tigers, McClease rushed for more than 1,500 yards last season and accounted for 30 touchdowns.

"He has the mentality of a 220-pounder," Tigers Coach Richard Morgan said in April. "He's a bruiser, very physical and with a 4.4 40 time he can run away from you."

McClease is one half of an Oscar Smith duo the Hokies would like to sign as part of their 2015 class.

Defensive lineman Josh Sweat, who ranks among the nation's top prospects, also plays for the state powerhouse Tigers.