Russell Wilson on the bench for the Asheville Tourists. ETHAN HYMAN - ehyman@newsobserver.com
RALEIGH – There will be no quarterback controversy at N.C. State in the fall.
Junior Mike Glennon’s status as the Wolfpack’s starter was cemented at 5 p.m. Friday when coach Tom O’Brien issued a stunning announcement that Russell Wilson has been granted his release to play football for another school in 2011 if he so chooses.
According to the terms of the release, Wilson cannot transfer to another ACC school or a school on N.C. State’s schedule.
Wilson, a three-year starter who ranks second in ACC history in touchdown responsibility with 93 scores, is playing professional baseball for the Asheville Tourists and did not participate in spring practice.
See an uncut photo gallery of Russell Wilson playing baseball.
Related column: Passion that makes them successful drove Wilson, O'Brien apart.
"Russell and I have had very open conversations about his responsibilities respective to baseball and football,” coach Tom O’Brien said in a statement released by the school. “While I am certainly respectful of Russell's dedication to baseball these last several years, within those discussions I also communicated to him the importance of his time commitment to N.C. State football.
“My staff and I thank him for his contributions as a member of Wolfpack football and to this university and wish him only the best in the future."
Last season, Wilson played pro baseball and came back to N.C. State at the beginning of fall camp. He went on to earn second-team All-ACC honors and help the Wolfpack earn a 9-4 record and a Champs Sports Bowl win over West Virginia.
Wilsonwas playing baseball for the Tourists in Rome, Ga., on Friday evening. Efforts to reach him for comment were unsuccessful.
N.C.State released a statement attributed to Wilson.
“Although I remain undecided on the option of playing college football this coming season, I believe it is in the best interest of the players and coaches involved to end any speculation of my return to the Wolfpack,” the statement read. “It has become apparent that the time has come for the program to move on without me.”
The statement expressed gratitude to N.C. State and its fans. It said Wilson has not closed the door on pro football and plans to explore and consider all his options.
Wilsonhas often said it is his dream to play major league baseball and NFL football. Last season, he posted 3,998 yards of total offense, the fourth-highest single-season total in ACC history.
Friday’s announcement was the culmination of a slow widening of a gap between O’Brien and Wilson. In February, O’Brien said N.C. State was moving on without Wilson, but said the door was open to his return.
During spring practice, O’Brien said that if Wilson returned, it would be in a backup position. At the Wolfpack Club booster caravan stop Thursday night in Raleigh, O’Brien compared Glennon to Matt Ryan, Tim Hasselbeck and Matt Hasselbeck, who played for O’Brien at Boston College and went on to become NFL starters.
Check out our photo recap of Wilson's career at N.C. State
Where Wilson at 5-foot-11 was known for his ability to scramble as well as throw, Glennon is 6-foot-6 and a classic dropback passer similar to those NFL quarterbacks.
“I think he looked at this spring as an opportunity to take hold of the position and take the job,” O’Brien said. “And that’s what he did.”
O’Brien praised Wilson for his contributions to N.C. State, but also seemed to be shutting the door on him.
“He [Wilson] had a choice to make, and we had a choice to make,” O’Brien said. “Mike Glennon made my choice a heck of a lot easier.”
Comments
Well I have to say one thing
Sun, 05/01/2011 - 23:19 — unc098Well I have to say one thing about this story: Its intriquing enough to both UNCers and Wolfies to get some decent dialouge going on this board which we haven't seen in awhile.
Unconditional
Sat, 04/30/2011 - 16:17 — alabamao68" N.C. State has given quarterback Russell Wilson his unconditional release to play football for another program next season if he so chooses."
Obviously some strange usage of the word "unconditional".
Russell Wilson's baseball career.
Sat, 04/30/2011 - 11:43 — tarheels4244You would think that if Wilson was to give up football for baseball, he would be better at it. His current average is .232 ???? He will be a career minor leaguer with that kind of average. He's no Dustin Ackley, that's for sure.
Looks like the Pack just
Sat, 04/30/2011 - 09:10 — GoHeels1984Looks like the Pack just went from being a bowl team with maybe 7 wins to only winning just 4 or 5 games at most this coming season.
Probably not
Sat, 04/30/2011 - 11:37 — SurferSorry, but I have to disagree with you on this one. Just look at their schedule. They should have 6 wins before they even break a sweat and Glennon will have ample opportunity to get comfortable.
The unfortunate thing is that RW will have one up on TOB, in that RW can say that he never lost to UNC (unless of course he lands on the roster of an OOC UNC opponent this Fall).
I see what you did there.
Sat, 04/30/2011 - 12:16 — mad_maxI see what you did there. Clever one there Surfer.
Problem is, you guys have been promising a UNC win over State for 3 years now. Why would anyone start believing you now? The law of averages I guess...
okay
Sat, 04/30/2011 - 18:58 — SurferI admit, I can be somewhat clever on occasion. But I don't recall promising a UNC win over State for the past three years. Now the last two years I can see where it could have happened and certainly last year had UNC had the full complement on its players, I definitely would have thought that UNC would have had a win in the in the bag, but that is why they play the games, anything could happen and apparently it did. State made the plays they needed to and UNC did not. It's all good though and having State win a few games actually makes things more interesting. Plus it gives TOB a few more years and that seems like it pleases everyone on both sides.
Fully agree with all you
Sat, 04/30/2011 - 22:51 — mad_maxFully agree with all you said.
It's no secret to anyone here, but I LOVE having TOB as our coach! If you guys want him here too, then so be it I guess.
It'll be fun throwing this
Sat, 04/30/2011 - 11:35 — mad_maxIt'll be fun throwing this back in your face later this year...of course, you will be long gone by then with the rest of your fairweather fan base.
Best of luck Russell
Sat, 04/30/2011 - 07:07 — noneyabusinessYou have made our school proud these last few years, and will continue to. I wish you the absolute best. Who knows where you will end up, but whereever it is, clearly you will succeed.
Consider the Gamecocks! They have a sudden opening at QB, the offense is loaded at RB and WR, and they have a big stage for you to improve your NFL stock. Also, the Moore School is an excellent business school, which I believe is the grad program you are working on.
Funny how so many people are
Sat, 04/30/2011 - 02:14 — mad_maxFunny how so many people are trying to turn this into some big story. I know it must be hard for a Heels fan to understand anything that has to do with QBs, but let me break it down for ya...Wilson left to go play baseball. This was over a long time ago. Anyone who finds a way to criticize TOB for this situation is either just a hater or completely ignorant. I saw two jokers on ESPN a couple weeks ago questioning TOB for declaring Glennon as his guy. These two "experts" didn't mention ANYTHING about RW playing baseball during their 7 minute spiel. Therefore, I will give them the benefit of the doubt and just label them as ignorant. Many of the posters here at ACCNow though...
Let's get something straight
Sat, 04/30/2011 - 10:16 — gvillegatrNobody in the national eye will ever spend seven minutes talking about ncsu.
Well they did, but of course
Sat, 04/30/2011 - 11:33 — mad_maxWell they did, but of course you aren't capable of seeing a world outside of Cheater Hill.
I know you think that a team has to cheat to get coverage, but there are a lot of schools out there doing it the right way. Maybe one day your team can join the rest of us.
You know what
Sun, 05/01/2011 - 16:08 — gvillegatrI'd love for you and I to team up as co-workers for the NCAA and go investigate ncsu athletics. I'd go as far as to ask about Nate Irving's crash in the middle of the night on I-40 as well as his registration on the SUV.
Think we'd find anything at all ?? ...
forget the ncaa
Sun, 05/01/2011 - 18:35 — JPDOhioGo to work for yahoo sports. They're the ones who break all the stories while the NCAA sits on its hands.
My daughter's fiance tells me they are about to do a follow up on Ohio State that will make things worse for Tressel. Of course, as an Illinois football season ticket holder living in Columbus, he hates Tressel with a passion.
New Supporting Cast
Sat, 04/30/2011 - 02:11 — ncsfeddieI think most of you make some good points about RW. All of his accomplishments certainly make him one of if not the best QB in NCSU history. One thing you have to remember though is that State lost a lot at receiver from last season. It would be one thing if even most of his top receivers were coming back. That would make it much easer for him to just slip right back into the game. College teams are very limited on the amount of practice time they get during the season. That's part of what makes spring practice so important. That is when QB's develop their timing and chemistry with the receivers and get a feel for the rhythm of the game. To miss all of that would have put RW considerably behind at the start of the season with a new group of receivers. The bottom line is that TOB is the head coach and the success or failure of the team is his responsibility. If they succeed with Glennon then he's a hero, and if they fail then it will be open season on him and we will probably never hear the end of the "what ifs" about RW. TOB knows that his success is directly connected to the success of the team. Obviously the head coach knows more about the program than anyone on this message board. If he didn't have some reason to believe that Glennon gives the team the best chance to be successful then I'm sure he would have left the door open for Wilson. I think all Pack fans admire and respect Wilson and are grateful for his contributions to NCSU football. At the end of the day TOB has made the decision to go with Glennon and only time will tell if he is a genius or a bum.
It's hard to blame TOB on
Fri, 04/29/2011 - 23:47 — cp1017It's hard to blame TOB on this one. Mike Glennon has patiently waited in the wings all this time. He's gone to all the spring practices and done everything asked of him by the coaching staff. He didn't come to State to sit on the bench for 3/4 of his playing career. He has committed 100% to the football program while Russell Wilson has not. I will say it's been truly amazing how RW has been able to basically "show up for the games " and play so dominantly which made the decision that much harder. But as head coach it was time for TOB to decide. Go with the sure thing in MG as far as knowing he'll be there this fall or go with the 50/50 choice in RW. These coaches work and plan all year round as far as getting ready for the next season and designing plays and such based on personnel.
Why wasn't wilson drafted???
Fri, 04/29/2011 - 23:46 — GreatWhiteSharkNo ncsu players yet... Best ACC QB? What are you smoking???
I suspect that TOB did
Fri, 04/29/2011 - 22:57 — unc098I suspect that TOB did promise Glennon his shot and is sticking to his promise. There was a point made earlier about what TOB is seeing, in terms of potential, in Glennon and liking it. Sounds like a fairly confident move and axing the constant drivel about whether RW is returning or not. The distraction is not good for developing his QB. I say good move on TOBs part. There is to much uncertainty here.
You know
Fri, 04/29/2011 - 23:04 — gvillegatrTOb's ego is so large, it is irrelevant how well Glennon played this spring (not very well). He isn't going back on what he said a while back: Glennon is our guy.
If Wilson wanted to return
Fri, 04/29/2011 - 23:08 — Heels20TOB's ego was definitely a factor.
How it probably played out
Sat, 04/30/2011 - 10:10 — gvillegatrRW wanted to come back to Rawleigh. TOB on a handful of occasions in the past five months has said "Glennon is out guy." None the less, RW still asked to be the QB at ncsu if he wanted to come back and TOB said, "No." Then and only then did RW ask for his release.
"Gee, I do NOT know.."...
Fri, 04/29/2011 - 22:50 — GainesT1958Well, Coach O'B, you're about to find out!
And even sweeter being that the game is in C-F this fall.
Wilson was something intrinsic: a leader. Glennon? Well, we'll see. State's players talked major smack about the game no longer being a rivalry because they were dominating the series so much recently. We could say--and will still be able to say next year--the same about basketball. And this fall, they will see that in football too, it is still very much the rivalry.
i hate the thought of RW
Fri, 04/29/2011 - 22:42 — dar456i hate the thought of RW playing for another team, and its hard to swallow the fact that we just released the #1 QB in the ACC. TOB must see something in Glennon or he wouldnt have done this plus having a QB playing pro baseball has to have an effect on things. its time to see what TOB and Glennon can do.
Wilson is gone to MLB...
Fri, 04/29/2011 - 22:25 — GreatWhiteSharkIf wilson is not going to be at ncsu spring football practices, then cut him & give the scholarship to another player.
Time to move on.
Will wilson make it to the pro's in MLB? Maybe. Would wilson make it in the NFL? No. Too small. Injured.
Have you seen the size of the QB's being drafted? 6'5". 250 lbs. They are bigger than most line backers.
This is an old story...
Fri, 04/29/2011 - 20:55 — awsmothersWhile that’s a good story for the media, we’ve been reporting for months that Russell Wilson can go ANYWHERE he likes (as long as they offer a Master’s Degree program that NC State does not), and play right away without the blessing of TOB! It’s good PR for NCSU, TOB & Russell that he’s “released” from his scholly, but Wilson graduated in December of last year, so his release is unnecessary… I love NC State AND Russell Wilson, but while I am convinced that if Russ returns to NC State – he Should & WILL be the starter at QB, if he’s convinced that TOB has indeed “moved on,” I wish him 100% success somewhere else!! (Do you think UNC-Cheatin’ Hill wouldn’t love to have a young man with character, instead of that bunch of characters who’ve gotten their @$$ beat by him every time they’ve laced’em up… Not that he’s that stupid!)
"Granted his release"
Fri, 04/29/2011 - 20:46 — ab3623Don't miss the fact that if TOB "granted his release," it means RW requested to be released. RW could have come back and then worked with the coach for what was best for the team this Fall. But it looks like RW wanted a promise, or else. As much as I like and respect RW, I have to go with the coach on this one. The coach is responsible for the team - which means the players can ask, argue, negotiate - whatever each individual coach allows - and then they do what the coach decides. I SINCERELY regret that RW will not be with the Pack this season - but I think the promise should have come from RW, not from the coach. So - RW asked to leave and the coach said OK. Don't forget - TOB could have just said no and that would have been it for RW's college football career. Given the possibilities, I think TOB did the best thing for both the program and RW. I hate to see it work out this way, but it confirms my observation and belief that we have a coach who is strong enough to do the right thing for the team - the worst decision is not making a decision. TOB made a decision so that the team will have a solid foundation and practice for the 2011 season. Again, all the best to RW who will always be an NCSU star.
Promises
Fri, 04/29/2011 - 21:44 — bigbi_chI think Glennon may have been the only one wanting (and getting) a promise.
Totally agree
Fri, 04/29/2011 - 22:51 — unc098Totally agree
Maybe
Fri, 04/29/2011 - 22:48 — ab3623Maybe Glennon asked for a promise, but if you think so, tell us why. If I recall correctly, his older brother was a standout QB. Mike G. has been willing so far to play (wait) behind
Russell Wilson, as long as RW was winning for the team. I applaud that; I think MG would have waited another season if RW committed to come back and lead the team. Other QB's at other schools have waited patiently for a "senior chance" and excelled. I think MG would have done that - if you think otherwise, tell why. As I said before, the coach coaches the team. That means that a good coach gets to know his players, cares about them, counsels them, offer advice, balances their best interests (not just the stars with pro potential, but all student-athletes who want to excell in school) and then ultimately makes the best decision for the team - yes, all must play together for the team to win: this isn't a track meet, a tennis match, a golf game. When I look at TOB at BC and now NCSU, I have to put him in the top 5% of college football coaches. OMG - look what he has done so far in supporting RW! Don't you think MG has been watching this, learning, appreciating his time in this program (I recall MG said he has learned a lot from RW; they certainly seem supportive of each other from all I have read and seen on TV games.) And so, and SO - why the HECK would you say that MG is the one asking for a promise???
A few points
Fri, 04/29/2011 - 23:07 — Heels20-All the buzz in the off season was that Glennon would transfer if Wilson was going to be the starter next Fall. This wasn't just on message boards, but discussed by people in the media. Sounds like he wanted the certainty.
-His brother was a QB, but not a standout. A good part of VT's fan base hated him, and Tyrod Taylor got a lot of the snaps (keep in mind this was before Taylor developed into a dominant QB).
-TOB is not in the top 5% of college coaches. Nick Saban, Jim Tressell (not necessarily in ethics), Mack Brown, Frank Beamer, Mark Richt, and Steve Spurrier are just a few of the many names that are indisputedly better than O'Brien. Sure, the guy can develop players, but recruiting and filling personnel needs are parts of coaching and he isn't always on par in those areas.
-I'm sorry, but Russell Wilson is better than Mike Glennon. You can say "you don't know that!" and all I can say is talk to me in two years, but Wilson is possibly the greatest QB in NC State history. Maybe this is the right move for the long term assuming that Broscious isn't a great QB, but if Russell wanted to come back, TOB should have welcomed him with open arms after what he did the past 3 seasons. As I said before, RW is not an uncommited team cancer, but a classy guy who has done tremendous things for that program. Without him, there would've been a lot less excitement surrounding Wolfpack football over the last few years.
QB Advice from Holes is a Joke
Sat, 04/30/2011 - 00:54 — packman1Why do we care what some Hole fan says about QB's. For you to give QB advice you need to have had a decent one first.
Yeah
Sat, 04/30/2011 - 01:06 — Heels20That TJ Yates guy really sucked this year.
Is that why you guys booed
Sat, 04/30/2011 - 11:30 — mad_maxIs that why you guys booed him so much?
Hm
Sat, 04/30/2011 - 11:47 — Heels20Don't recall many people booing him this season.
It's hard to boo one of the
Sat, 04/30/2011 - 12:13 — mad_maxIt's hard to boo one of the only players that didn't cheat (that we know of). Point is, you guys booed Yates unfairly over the years only to have him come in and save your a$$es this past year. Yet somehow, you guys are qualified to understand and correct the rest of us regarding State's QB situation. Okay...
You forgot
Sun, 05/01/2011 - 16:02 — gvillegatrYou are talking to UNC fans.
In Total Agreement
Sat, 04/30/2011 - 00:52 — bobmacRussell is not only better than Mike Glennon but better than most of the QBs in the history of NC State football. In fact, Russell is a member of the Holy Trinty of Wolfpack QBs, the other two being Roman Gabriel & Phillip Rivers. Glennon will be a good QB with potential to be a great NFL QB. Why wait for him to develop & pay the price with game losses? Many high school All-Americans in many college sports sat on the bench because another high school kid developed into a college All-American. Glennon could not take Russell's job on the field in the past so why should he be given the job now? TOB has made very few bad decisions as Wolfpack Coach but he made his worst in releasing Russell. The Pack went from a team with an All-ACC QB who is also an Academic All-American and with a talented back-up to a team with an inexperienced, unproven QB with an even more inexperienced & less talented QB. What happens if Glennon suffers a season ending injure in the 1st quarter of the first game? Hope the Pack D does not have to face Russell in a bowl game. Good luck, Russell! The Wolfpack Nation loves you & appreciate what you did on the field & in the classroom even if Coach O'Brien doesn't!
Smoking section
Fri, 04/29/2011 - 20:21 — gamilicadGlennon class of ?
Fri, 04/29/2011 - 19:54 — whollarIs he a rising senior or will he be a junior in the fall?
Glennon is a Junior
Fri, 04/29/2011 - 19:57 — Whateverdnm
Who the heck cares if he's "a Christian"?
Fri, 04/29/2011 - 18:53 — ImpartiallyObservant"A Christian with an undoubtedly positive influence..." -- WILSON.
Hey Wilson... Who the heck cares if a football player is a Christian? Please keep your worshipping where it belongs (in church) and spare us your proseletizing.
Dislike!
Fri, 04/29/2011 - 19:22 — bigbi_chDislike!
Wilson
Fri, 04/29/2011 - 18:12 — WhateverdUnbelievably poor decision:
- 4.0 GPA graduate business student
- Completed his junior season ranked eighth on the ACC career total offense list with 9,628 yards, 13th in passing yardage (9,377), second in touchdown responsibility (93) and third in touchdown passes (76)
- Arthur Ashe Sports Scholar recipient
- In 2010: A team captain for 2010, he was elected by his teammates … Named to Phil Steele’s first-team All-ACC midseason squad …
Leads the ACC in passing yards per game (287.8) and total offense (321.4) … That total offense mark ranks fourth nationally and his passing ranks 12th … Tied for sixth nationally in points responsible for with 18/game … Rushed for three touchdowns and passed for another in the win over Florida State, that was the most rushing TDs for a Wolfpack quarterback since the 1988 season … Ranks second in school history in rushing yards by a quarterback with 917 … Named the Rivals.com ACC Player of the Week for that performance against FSU … Tied a school record with 38 completions in the win over Boston College, he was named co-ACC Offensive Back of the Week for that contest … Leads the team in rushing touchdowns with eight … Has thrown for 300+ yards 10 times in his career (including six times this season) and has thrown for three or more touchdowns 12 times (also including five games this season and in 11 of his last 19 contests) … Tied for fourth in ACC history with 67 career TD throws, he ranks 22nd in in career passing yards … Threw for a career-high 368 yards in the win at Georgia Tech., the 18th-best mark in school history … His 384 yards of total offense in that game tied as the 12th-best mark ever by a Wolfpack player … Came back with 396 yards of total offense against Virginia Tech, now the 12th-best in school history … Had thrown 168 passes without an interception before the fourth quarter at GT, dating back to last seaon … Named honorable mention quarterback of the week by the College Football Perfomance Awards for the WCU game … Currently ranks fourth in school history in passing efficiency with a 138.56 mark … Named ACC Offensive Back of the Week for Cincinnati and Georgia Tech contests … Ranks third in school history in career passing yards (7,284), third in completions (562), third in attempts (975) and second in TD passes (67) … Also ranks third in career total offense with 8,211 yards – the 16th-best mark in ACC history … Responsible for 80 touchdowns for his career, second in school history and fifth in ACC history … On the preseason lists for the O’Brien and Manning Awards.
- A Christian with an undoubtedly positive influence on your program
WOW
Tom O'Brien has SPOKEN
Fri, 04/29/2011 - 17:55 — ViperRetLast night at the Wake County WPC Coaches Caravan, Tom O'Brien made, among others, TWO salient points.
When asked, again, how it felt to loose to UNC, he said, "Gee, I do NOT know...."
Next he said that Mike Glennon (sp?), regardless of Russell Wilson's decision about NCSU football this fall, was the STARTING Quarterback.
He also compared Glennon's talents to the three NFL Starters that he coached at Boston College and said that Glennon was JUST as talented as they were and he expected good things from him leading the Wolfpack....
SO, the plot thickens.....the beat goes on and the mighty Casey, MIGHT strike out.
Good for TOB and DY. I certainly have enjoyed Russell playing for us and am really greatful for all his accomplishments. It was like watching a pint sized Philip Rivers....with the same...."I can win this thing...." attitude. But, we need a COMMITTMENT....Perhaps Harrow and Wilson can make a plan and cut a deal for a Dynamic Duo for some other school.....
Insane
Fri, 04/29/2011 - 17:45 — Heels20Haven't been around lately, but what an awful decision. Glennon might work out. Still doesn't change the fact that Wilson left TOB's job much more secure than it would be otherwise. State's not letting go of an uncommited team cancer. They're letting go of a class act who represents the university much better than its football coach.
Best of luck to Russell and whatever path he takes. Loved watching you as a player when you weren't playing my team.
Couldn't agree more
Fri, 04/29/2011 - 20:18 — YAR8packAll I had to say to my buddy when he emailed me this story was "GTFO."
Wow. TOB must know something we all don't. Glennon better throw for at least 25 tds and only 10 picks this year.
Wilson made his choice.
Fri, 04/29/2011 - 22:25 — waywardPerhaps TOB knows that Russell Wilson's real love is baseball.
You don't want your starting QB to have other options. Wilson's Asheville teammate Kyle Parker came back to Clemson as their QB after signing a big baseball contract and was a disaster. After he took a nasty hit in the Auburn game, he wasn't the same. He had a baseball career to worry about.
Ya think?
Fri, 04/29/2011 - 20:43 — bigbi_chLike we'd ever be lucky enough for that to happen.
Expectations were high
Fri, 04/29/2011 - 20:22 — Heels20But they just got a lot higher. I don't want to say that it wasn't a tough decision to make because Glennon likely would have transferred if Wilson was the starter for next year, but I think Russell has earned the right. Did he throw some picks last year on throws he may not have made had he played spring ball? Maybe so. But he led the team to a 9-4 record and is one of the best QBs in school history, if not THE best. I'm shaking my head on this one.