If one goes to N.C. State’s campus and asks anyone on the Brickyard if he or she knows who Russell Wilson is, the reply will be ‘yes’ and a smile will come onto his or her face. If you go west to Wake Forest University and ask the same question, fans will reply yes as well, but will not draw a smile. Wilson, who became a dominating force for the football team as its starting quarterback during the 2008 season, single-handedly orchestrated a huge comeback victory as he rushed for 87 yards and went 16-33 with two touchdowns to stun the Demon Deacons, 21-17, on Nov. 15.
As talented as the twenty-year-old is behind center, he is equally, if not more talented on the baseball diamond. Although Wilson came to State on a football scholarship, coach Tom O’Brien shares the multi-talented freshman with baseball coach Elliott Avent. Baseball scouts and experts praise Wilson’s talents and believe he could be a very high draft pick once he is eligible for the Major League Baseball first-year player draft after next season. The Notorious Baseball America publication, which is located in Durham, sees the Virginia native as a future high draft pick. BA’s college expert, Aaron Fitt, weighed in on Wilson’s talents.
“He’s a really explosive athlete, first of all,” Fitt said. “That athleticism plays in football and plays in baseball. The same things that make him a great football player are his best aspects on the diamond. He’s strong, he’s fast and he has quick wrist at the plate.”
Fitt said he could see Wilson as a middle infielder but wouldn’t be surprised if he eventually makes a move to the outfield.
“It sounds like he has a chance be a pretty good infielder, although he’s still working on putting his actions on the infield and being more consistent defensively,” Fitt said. “But I think he could be a great center fielder, personally. I think he’s a guy with a lot of untapped potential.”
Growing up in Richmond, VA, Wilson played baseball from an early age. He acquired his love for the game from his father, Harrison, and his older brother Harry.
“I have played baseball my whole life, ever since I was four years old. I didn’t start football until seventh grade.” Wilson commented.
Wilson’s dream of being a professional athlete in any sport came to him at a very young age.
“Ever since I was little I always wanted to do that. I always dreamed about it.” Wilson recalled.
And as a little boy, Wilson claims he never had a favorite player in the majors per se, he was a fan of players such as Ken Griffey Jr. However, he really looked up to his dad and brother.
During Wilson’s sophomore year, the recruiting process began and quickly became very interesting. Almost every ACC team was looking at him to be the general on their offense or a key for their infield. Wilson, however, did not limit himself to just one conference, as he had mutual interest in Louisville and Ohio State.
Playing two sports takes lot of time out of Wilson’s day, but add on college classes and homework and one has to wonder how he has time to sleep.
“I just organize myself the best I can,” Wilson said. “Get my priorities straight and do the best I can.”
But it has yet to be seen how good Wilson can be. Fitt said he believes Wilson can be could be a very good player and could potentially go very high in the draft.
“He’s eligible next year and right now, based on pure talent, I think he could be a top ten round pick,” Fitt admitted. “If he he really pulls it together, and tries to focus on baseball and it clicks for him, he could go in the top two or three rounds. He’s that kind of an athlete.”
But as many people speculate whether Wilson should pursue a career between the white lines or the gridiron, Wilson will not, at least publicly, commit to either sport.
“Neither right now,” Wilson replied to the big question. “I take each moment day by day and don’t really worry about anything, just work hard and do something I enjoy and love. God gave me the talent to use them and I’m gonna do that the best I can.”
