Former N.C. State starting Quarterback Russell Wilson will choose to sign with the Wisconsin Badgers with his last year of eligibility. Wilson a 4th round draft pick of the Colorado Rockies had been playing baseball for their minor league Asheville Tourist batting .228, with 3 home runs, and 15 RBI in 16 games. Wilson decided to join the Rockies minor league team instead of participating in spring practice with N.C. State. Tom O'Brien, head coach of N.C. State named Mike Glennon as the team's starter, and he gave Wilson his unconditional release.
Wilson had visits to the football programs of Auburn, and Wisconsin leading up to his decision yesterday. Wilson will have about one month before Wisconsin opens its fall practice August 1st in preparation for the upcoming college football season. Wilson had excellent numbers as the Wolfpack’s starting Quarterback last season throwing for 3,563 yards, and 28 touchdowns. Wisconsin is one of the favorites in the Big Ten in 2011 and with Wilson's addition the school has the potential to compete for a national championship.
This signing is big news for the Wisconsin football program. Wisconsin has never really had a top flight Quarterback, and Wilson brings his 3 years of experience as a starter to a team that already has a pretty potent offense. Wisconsin has a tough schedule with an early conference game against Nebraska, and two road games against Michigan State, and Ohio State later on in the year. If the Badgers are able to pull out those victories they have a good shot at going undefeated. Bret Bielema led the 2010 Wisconsin Badgers team to a Rose Bowl appearance, and with the returning starters coming back in 2011 the team looks like a top 5 football program in the country.
Wilson stated that he's a competitor, and he is willing to come to Wisconsin to compete for the starting Quarterback position. Wilson also stated that he was impressed by the Wisconsin coaching staff, fans, and players on the team. Wilson likes the system that the Badgers run, and he feels totally blessed to be in this situation.
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