Whaley was taken by friends to a nearby hospital so he could be treated for the injury that was described as not being life-threatening. He and his family declined to comment or release any information on his condition.

Police said the shooting occurred outside a nightclub at 152 S. Plaza Trail.

A businessman in the complex said the nightclub, called Tri Som Caribbean Restaurant, recently opened.

Police are looking for the gunman, who fired from a light-colored car, said Margie Long, a police spokeswoman.

Whaley, 19, signed in February to play football for the University of Minnesota. He is the all-time leading rusher in South Hampton Roads.

Whaley picked the Golden Gophers after receiving dozens of offers. His finalists included Connecticut, Michigan State and West Virginia.

It was not immediately known whether the wound could affect Whaley’s playing.

Earlier this month, at the 63rd Norfolk Sports Club Jamboree, Whaley received the Ellis Lovelass Award as the area’s top high school athlete.

The shooting occurred about 2 a.m.

“The individual was leaving the establishment and stepped outside, was on the sidewalk,” Long said. “A light-colored, a champagne-colored vehicle approached and shot at him and left.”

No one else was injured.

Whaley, who remained hospitalized Friday night, has asked that no information be released on his injuries or condition and turned down requests for interviews.

Tracey Whaley, his mother, issued a statement Friday night that was released by Sentara Healthcare, which is treating him at one of its facilities.

“The Whaley family requests that the news media, well-meaning friends and the public respect Kevin’s need for privacy and rest as he recovers from his injury,” she said in the statement.

“The family does not wish to grant media interviews at this time, or share information publicly about Kevin’s condition.”

The family said visits to his bedside would be allowed only to immediate relatives and other selected individuals.

Anyone with information on the shooting is asked to call Crime Solvers at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP (562-5887).

Staff writer Duane Bourne contributed to this report.

Patrick Wilson, (757) 446-2319, patrick.wilson@pilotonline.com

Steve Stone, (757) 446-2309, steve.stone@pilotonline.com