N.C. State quarterback Russell Wilson, under pressure from UNC's Zach Brown, throws an off-balance pass for a touchdown against the Tar Heels. ROBERT WILLETT - rwillett@newsobserver.com
N.C. State coach Tom O’Brien didn’t sound confident Sunday about the prospects of quarterback Russell Wilson returning for his senior season.
Wilson, a junior, returned to the Wolfpack after playing pro baseball last summer in the Colorado Rockies organization. But O’Brien said next season will be a different situation.
“When he left the last time he spent the whole spring here and was, the whole time, around us,” O’Brien said. “And he wasn’t being paid [last spring]. He’s being paid now. And they have money. And what do I have to offer? So who knows what’s going to happen.”
Wilson has said many times that his goal is to be a professional in both baseball and football. If he has decided whether he will play quarterback for N.C. State in 2011, he hasn’t tipped his hand.
O’Brien said after Sunday’s practice for the Champs Sports Bowl (Dec. 28 vs. West Virginia in Orlando, Fla.) that he hasn’t spoken with Wilson about his upcoming decision and won’t discuss the issue for a while.
“We’ll figure it all out when the time is right,” O’Brien said.
Wilson was a first-team All-ACC quarterback as a redshirt freshman in 2008 and has led the ACC in touchdown passes in 2009 and 2010.
Aside from Wilson, O’Brien said he isn’t aware of any underclassman on the team who’s contemplating leaving early for the pros.
Comments
Time for Glennon
Mon, 12/13/2010 - 15:22 — bradleyb123Rumor has it that if Russell returns for one more year, Glennon will be gone. Rumor also has it that our coaches are pushing Wilson to not return.
I think I'd rather have two years of Glennon than one year of Russell. Our O-line should be able to protect Glennon next year. (This year, not so much.)
If Russell returns, I won't cry over a Glennon transfer. Because Russell is always welcome to return in my book. But maybe it's time for us to move on to Glennon. He's waited patiently, and deserves his chance to shine. And I hear he has a cannon.
Link: http://ncstate.raycomsports.com/blog/2010/11/29/inside-source-if-wilson-returns-glennons-gone-george-cox-of-nc-state-football
third choice
Mon, 12/13/2010 - 16:23 — SurferJust curious, if it is neither RW or Glennon who would be the QB next year?
Let Glennon play!
Mon, 12/13/2010 - 13:24 — bjmcclenWilson has been a one man highlight reel here for three years and will go down as one of the best QB's in NCSU history. That being said, I am ready to see Glennon in action and get our offense more balance. Bible has put too much pressure on Wilson to bail us out this year and I think we will have a more balanced run-pass offense when he leaves. The young o-line has needed a mobile QB like Wilson this year but we are talking about one of the most highly recruited players in the country at his position and a guy that was called the most natural pocket passer of his class (which included Pryor) in Glennon.
Whatever his decides to do in the future RW has been a true roll model. His handling all of the publicity and pressure that he has in the past three years and graduating in three years with a 3.0gpa and still managing to be one of the best QB's in the ACC and a great baseball player all together is something that would cause a large majority of college age guys to break down. Try to find one negative story about the guy. He will be missed but we will survive and be a good football team either way.
All I'm saying is ...
Mon, 12/13/2010 - 14:47 — gvillegatrBe careful what you wish for.
You really do not know what you have in Glennon. His brother did more harm than good. What we do know is RW is pretty damn good.
Wilson
Sun, 12/12/2010 - 22:17 — SweetsieHe is a fine young man and great athlete. From a UNC fan who wishes him the best in whatever he chooses. He is a class act.
whatever
Sun, 12/12/2010 - 20:39 — JPDOhioWhatever Russell's decision, I hope he lets everyone know right after the bowl game. Personally, I think he is gone, but is waiting to announce after the game.
Agree
Mon, 12/13/2010 - 23:07 — YAR8packRussell Wilson is very much a well mannered adult who is established as a damn good quarterback that can not only engineer amazing displays of athleticism while evading rushers; he has a cannon for an arm, and he has that greatly unexplained quality of providing luck in the most dire times. No need to really go on about his attributes. Dude's awesome.
I really think Russell leaves. Best of luck to him.
I'm sure Glennon is ready to play. The guy has stuck around and been a good trooper for 3 years. And I completely understand why he'd want to possibly leave for PT.
Whatever happens, I will be surprised if Russell stays.
Go Wolfpack.
Third option
Tue, 12/14/2010 - 12:46 — SurferAs I asked yesterday, just curious, who would be the QB next year, if not RW or Glennon?
Not An Option
Tue, 12/14/2010 - 13:14 — YAR8packNot trying to be a jerk, but that's not really an option of worry for next year. One of those guys will be there over the other. The only concern for who will be QB is if Russell stays, and that's who will take the snaps when the 2012 season comes along.
Really just curious
Tue, 12/14/2010 - 13:32 — SurferI know that it is unlikely that either RW or Glennon will be the QB next year, but several scenarios are possible that both won't be available. For instance, RW leaves - G is injured; RW stays, G leaves - RW is injured. For either case, who is in line or who is coming in that would take the snaps?
Depth Chart
Tue, 12/14/2010 - 14:08 — YAR8packThe NC State depth chart has Tyler Brosius as 3rd in line. Who really knows. No need to worry about possible returns or injuries until they happen. And I'm sure TOB has been recruiting a QB for the 2011 class.
Sorry, couldn't resist
Tue, 12/14/2010 - 20:31 — Heels20TOB has been recruiting a QB for the 2011 class. He's been telling Marquise Williams to decommit from UNC and that we're going to be on probation. He's been going to several recruits saying that UNC football is on the downfall.
But hey, who are we to complain? Can you blame the guy? After all, he has the worst recruiting class of ALL BCS conferences. 85th in the country, going strong there!
worst recruiting class
Wed, 12/15/2010 - 16:07 — JPDOhioDoesn't bother me in the least. My low opinion of the rating sites has been well documented here.
This is going to be a small class no matter what, because State's senior class is small in relation to the classes below them. Even in a normal year, TOB's classes are going to be rated lower than many others, because he has no problem loading up with lower rated players that he feels he can develop. It's worked for him in the past and will work out fine in the future, regardless of what the naysayers and hand-wringers say.
Regarding what he may or may not be telling UNC commits, I am not sure who your sources are, but I know you have some decent ones. So maybe TOB is taking the low road on that issue, maybe not. I do know that unless you hear it directly, be skeptical of second hand representations. At least he is not singing to the guys.
Sources
Wed, 12/15/2010 - 17:50 — Heels20Marquise Williams has been quoted directly. I have heard from others, but have not seen myself, that Shawn Underwood has also spoken publicly about it. Not trying to be a smartass, I just knew you were curious.
Seriously
Thu, 12/16/2010 - 01:57 — JPDOhioI was and am curious. This is splitting hairs, but I would guess that TOB (and probably others) are trying to exploit UNC's situation. We do the same thing when a competitor is having troubles.
MW
Thu, 12/16/2010 - 11:59 — SurferHeard this from M. Williams, as well. While it certainly is a common practice, it may backfire. One poster said that one recruit wanted to hear about NCSU and what they had to offer, etc... and all TOB talked about was UNC.
Doesn't matter what line of work you are in
Thu, 12/16/2010 - 13:07 — gvillegatrBut when all you can do is talk negatively about the opposition and can't offer anything positive about you, you're inferior and you do get sniffed out ... most times. The few times meaning the client was not worth it to begin with and the relationship you have going forward will not last to the finish.
this is true
Thu, 12/16/2010 - 13:55 — JPDOhioIt is common to target a competitor that has an obvious problem. In college sports, that could be possible sanctions, a coaching change, etc. It would be crazy not to try to exploit an opening. However, you are absolutely correct that focusing entirely on the negatives of the competition is a bad idea. As you stated, it only works with people that you probably don't want to deal with anyway. I would hope that TOB gets this and frames his discussions the proper way with these recruits.
In my earlier comments, I expressed (somewhat poorly) my skepticism toward how the UNC recruits represented TOB's conversation with them. My point wasn't that it wasn't true or that TOB wasn't trying to exploit UNC's problems. I was simply questioning the tone of TOB's comments as expressed by the recruits. I can think of a thousand times I have said something that I consider to be innocuous that is perceived by the listener as inflammatory. And, the younger the listener, the more likely the misunderstanding.
Obvoiusly, I have no idea what is being said in those recruiting meetings. But some unintentional embellishment by the recruits is at least a possibility.
Well
Thu, 12/16/2010 - 14:07 — Heels20I haven't heard the words directly from TOB, so I don't think we'll ever know what was said word-for-word. At the same time, he's run his mouth to the media quite a bit which makes me think there's even less of a funnel behind closed doors.
But I have no proof of that so you may be right. With the exception of what the players have said (which as you stated, can easily be misinterpreted), this is pure speculation.
RUNNING THE MOUTH
Thu, 12/16/2010 - 15:36 — JPDOhioThat he has, which I admit has surprised me when it happened.
In contrast, I tend to be more of a "foot in the mouth" guy.
Absolutely...Every recruiter
Thu, 12/16/2010 - 09:24 — unc098Absolutely...Every recruiter from FCS to D1 is doing the same thing. Unfortunately this is one of the fall outs from this past seasons debacle. I am afraid that we will see a bunch of players backing out of their commitments once the sanctions come down. It will take several years to come out from under all this. Butch probably won't be around to right the ship either. He will move on to greener pastures now that his son has graduated from East. Just a prediction sad as it may be.
Two ways to look at it
Thu, 12/16/2010 - 10:22 — gvillegatr1.) Butch is getting older. He's no spring chicken. He sticks this out bc indirectly he is responsible for what happened. He really seems to care about the University.
2.) This has all been a rouge from the time the school held a press conference. Prior to, Butch was to remain coach until the season was complete and then he was to resign.
P.S. Let's keep in mind all the "cool" jobs are gone.
Butch's future
Thu, 12/16/2010 - 11:33 — Heels20When all of this broke out, I thought for sure Butch was done, whether it be right then and there or at the end of the season. However, one can't overlook the coaching job he did this season. We won every game that we were supposed to and also got surprise wins against Clemson and FSU. We only blew a 4th quarter lead once (as opposed 7 times in the previous two seasons), and easily could have been 10-2 if we had the depth to field legitimate players on special teams. Does that sound like the job of a coach who knows he's gotten the ax? I don't know about you, but I wouldn't be too surprised if Butch is on Tar Heel sidelines again next season.
I agree with all the
Thu, 12/16/2010 - 13:35 — unc098I agree with all the responses....I did not say that he would be gone after this season. I expect him to coach for a couple more years. I can see how my statement about his son graduating from high school would lead one to think that however. It has often been reported that one of the reasons why BD came here was because his son was a real Tar Heel fan.
There are many factors that are in play here. As stated; age, burnout ( see Urban ), a stalled out program ( due to sanctions ) and restlessness on the part of the BOG, BOT , fans, etc and if any other infractions come to light. Butch will be on the hot seat and under the microscope and the media will continue to scrounge for misdeeds for years to come. Its human nature. Will this result in BD leaving? Possibly. On the other hand its impossible to write the end of the story now.
Butch and his staff have done a masterful job of coaching this year, which I have stated often. I have no doubt that he is a alchemist and can turn smelly stuff into gold, or at least silver.
I see where you're coming from
Thu, 12/16/2010 - 14:05 — Heels20This season is an excellent example of why you don't put all your chips in on one thing or another. This team went from BCS expectations to Coples being the unexpected star of the defense (not to take away from the junior's oustanding play this season). It is only smart to be cautious in our expectations at this point because we've already seen how drastically things can change in a short period of time.
No question
Thu, 12/16/2010 - 12:56 — gvillegatrI'm privvy to nothing at the moment, but I believe Butch will be back. I was just going off the previous post.
Future
Thu, 12/16/2010 - 12:18 — SurferAll indications point to him being back next year for sure. I hope that that is the case and for many years beyond. He has demonstrated that he can bring in the athletes and do well, as you noted, when the cupboard is depleted, so to speak. He just needs to put a "fence" around, or whatever is needed, these high profile players to ensure that outside influences are not allowed to rock the boat or torpedo the ship, resulting in this past season's catastrophe. If he can do that, then we might just attain, in the future, the height of the program that could have been reached this year. That goal is what I hope Coach Davis strives to attain versus leaving, given his own desires.
Truth
Wed, 12/15/2010 - 10:26 — YAR8packunc will be on some sort of probation. unc will be banned from a bowl appearance. Both are very true statements that are going to happen. I know it won't be anything that a lot of the lunatic fringe want, but unc will and should suffer some penalties. All unc fans would feel vehemently the same were it NCSU or ECU or Wake Forest caught in the same manner.
I don't know who you are to complain, but you tend to do so an awful lot. Maybe you should take it up with TOB.
You're a smart guy. You should know that negative recruiting is a tactic used by every NCAA coaching staff. Do you think unc has never negatively recruited against NCSU or Duke or whomever? As they say on ESPN, "C'mon man."
Merry Christmas!
Re: Truth
Wed, 12/15/2010 - 10:39 — Heels20"Do you think unc has never negatively recruited against NCSU or Duke or whomever? As they say on ESPN, "C'mon man."
Do you think no one on NCSU is guilty of academic fraud, even though they got away with it?
Been long enough
Wed, 12/15/2010 - 16:09 — gvillegatrFo a retort. I guess we know where yar8 stands.
I see Shawn Underwood has gone "soft verbal" on the Heels. state is trying to slime their way in.
slime
Wed, 12/15/2010 - 17:27 — JPDOhioIf they're looking for slime, good thing they are going to Orlando in a couple of weeks. Plenty of slime available at Nickelodeon Studios. At least, I assume they are still doing that.
Been a while (a long while) since my kids were at an age that watched that channel. Maybe you can help us with that, Gatr?
Not yet
Wed, 12/15/2010 - 21:30 — gvillegatrDisney and Boomerang Channel at my house.
Probably a good thing
Thu, 12/16/2010 - 11:16 — JPDOhioI have no idea what the Boomerang Channel is.
And I am pretty sure I don't want to know.
Actually
Thu, 12/16/2010 - 12:48 — gvillegatrYou might like it. It shows all the old cartoons. Scooby Doo, The Flintstones, The Jetsons, Tom and Jerry ...
I STAND CORRECTED
Thu, 12/16/2010 - 13:32 — JPDOhioYou may have just pointed me to my new favorite channel.
Thanks
Tue, 12/14/2010 - 14:37 — SurferAgree, but always good to plan ahead. I looked up the recruit, it's Brian Taylor, 6-3, 200 out of Harnett Central. Not bad.
Agree I just don't think the
Mon, 12/13/2010 - 23:11 — unc098Agree
I just don't think the Dude has anything to gain and a bit to lose by staying another year. Glad to see him go ;)...but wish him the best. He has been one of my favorite ACC players to watch when he is not playing UNC..
Nothing more to prove.
Tue, 12/14/2010 - 14:15 — JPDOhioThat's why I think he will go. Despite some ups and downs this year, overall he has put up great numbers and led his team to its most successful season in years. If he comes back, he can't do much better and he risks getting hurt. And we don't even know what the Rockies have to say about this or what is in his contract.