Tonight you can add "starting pitcher" to the long list of things Russell Wilson has tried at N.C. State.
Wilson was the first-team All-ACC quarterback in 2008 and led the ACC in touchdown passes in 2009. He has started at second base and in the outfield for the Wolfpack's baseball team, and is 0-1 with a 5.68 ERA and one save as a relief pitcher this season. Now he will start on the mount for N.C. State (15-9) against Old Dominion (12-15) at 6:30 tonight at Doak Field.
N.C. State pitching coach Tom Holliday said starting rather than relieving could help Wilson as a pitcher.
“When I first saw Russell pitch back in late January and early
February in preseason practice, I honestly thought he could pitch in the
big leagues,” Holliday said. “His stuff was that good. Once the
season got started, though, what I’ve seen is that he’s not made the
transition from playing a position to coming in to pitch during a game.
When he’s just been available to pitch on a particular day, he’s
been really good. Some guys don’t have any problems coming from a
position to pitch, and some guys do. Starting avoids that problem.”
Wilson also is batting .348 with two doubles, two home runs and seven RBIs in part-time work - 18 games, 10 starts - as a position player.
Comments
Wilson
Wed, 03/31/2010 - 16:55 — SweetsieHe is a terrific athlete and a fine young man but football is where he needs to concentrate his efforts. He is a slightly above average division one college baseball player but is a better quarterback. I have watched him play for the past two seasons and his future lies between the goldposts.
Agreed Sweetsie. this is
Thu, 04/01/2010 - 00:46 — unc098Agreed Sweetsie.
this is one talented FB player
Point taken
Wed, 03/31/2010 - 19:28 — YAR8packBut I don't think Wilson should be limited. I understand his scholarship lies with football. However, as long as his grades are fine and the coaching staff and he have a plan, I can't say which sport the guy needs to focus on.
Wolfpack fans will get a glimpse of what the lone spring time sport concentration will do for Wilson.
OK GO STATE!!!