Frankly, my guess is he would be deferred or rejected in ED at Virginia Tech, based on what you are saying. (but you never know). VCU seems more likely but I believe it is a small program. Also ODU. GMU is smaller than VT but their program seems to have some good connections with DC employers .
If he really wants engineering, he may be better off putting university studies as his second choice. There is a clear path from university studies to engineering. But, talk to his guidance department or VT admissions or VT engineering about the best way to go about it.