With an off day from the Rockies affiliate club, the Asheville Tourists, former Wolfpack quarterback Russell Wilson reportedly visited with the Auburn Tigers on Tuesday to talk about joining the football team and to go over the offensive schemes.
The report came from ESPN’s Joe Schad on Tuesday afternoon when he posted to Twitter, “Former NC State QB Russell Wilson has an off day today. Visiting… Auburn.”
“Russell Wilson arrived at Auburn [Monday] night and will spend all day with coaches [Tuesday] discussing offense, scheme, etc.,” Schad later tweeted.
“I talked to Russ[ell Wilson] this morning and he didn’t mention [visiting Auburn],” Annabelle Myers, the spokesperson for the University Athletics, said.
Another source, who wishes to remain anonymous, spoke to Wilson personally.
“Have talked to Russell [Wilson] and can’t confirm but can’t deny either,” the source said.
Wilson has one year of eligibility remaining to play college football after he was released by coach Tom O’Brien a few weeks ago to ensure that redshirt junior Mike Glennon would be the starter for the upcoming season.
Wilson has been the starter for the Pack the last three years and put up numbers that are comparable to the statistics of former Auburn, now Carolina Panthers first-round draft choice, quarterback Cam Newton.
Wilson and Newton were both dual-threat quarterbacks who could drop back and pass the ball, or step up and rush the ball with efficiency. Wilson compiled 28 touchdowns through the air and nine on the ground, while Newton scored 30 touchdowns passing and 20 touchdowns rushing.
Brennan Thomas, a contributor for bleacherreport.com, said Wilson would not be able to duplicate what Newton did at Auburn, but he would be a critical component for Auburn to compete for an SEC title.
“Wilson is crucial to the Tigers making another run at an SEC championship,” Thomas said. “He brings experience, an extremely accurate arm and good mobility.”
While Auburn fans have reason to rejoice over the visit by Wilson to the school, State fans have mixed opinions about their former quarterback potentially using his last year of eligibility to play with the Tigers.
After asking what fans think on Twitter, some made their voices heard about the situation.
“It feels like seeing your ex at a party with someone else the week you broke up. I *don’t* like it, at all! I miss him,” @TLKoontz tweeted.
While some fans were upset about Wilson’s reported visit, others view it as an opportunity for the quarterback to get more publicity.
“I think it’s great he will become nationally recognized, maybe he can reach his dream of playing in both the MLB and NFL,” @AndrewNesbitt27 tweeted.
One other fan had a slightly different feeling about Wilson. @CallipH felt the situation shows he has great work ethic and it will improve recruiting in the future.
“Russell visiting is a testament to his work ethic and ability. As well as our coaches word to new recruits/current players,” @CallipH tweeted.
