North Carolina State University Athletics
PEELER: Wilson Readies for Next Wave of Attention
2/17/2009 12:00:00 AM | Football
BY TIM PEELER
RALEIGH, N.C. This time last year, Russell Wilson was wholly anonymous, just another freshman waiting in line to get his picture taken with Colorado Rockies superstar Matt Holliday at the 2008 First Pitch Banquet, the annual affair that kicks off the Wolfpack’s baseball season.
This year, Wilson signed almost as many autographs and did as many television interviews as Texas Rangers slugger and Raleigh native Josh Hamilton, the featured speaker at the 2009 First Pitch Banquet 10 days ago.
Wilson doesn’t go anywhere as just an NC State student anymore. He rolls as the first-team All-ACC quarterback who moonlights as a baseball player. Since winning a five-way battle to be the Wolfpack starting quarterback, Wilson has gone from anonymous to all-star.
But he hasn’t had a problem letting his newfound celebrity affect his outlook on life, his preparation for two sports or his dedication to schoolwork.
“I do get more stares when I go places,” Wilson says. “I don’t treat myself any differently, though. I try to be the same guy. I try to be as humble as possible. I know God gave me the gifts I have and I have to use them to the best of my ability, to honor Him.”
Right now, Wilson is praying for patience as he waits for medical clearance to return to action. After becoming the first freshman in ACC history to be named first-team all-conference quarterback, Wilson proved that he was the league’s most dynamic offensive player in leading the Wolfpack to a 17-6 advantage in the first half against Rutgers in the Papajohns.com Bowl in Birmingham, Ala.
But he sprained ligaments in his knee just before halftime and did not return to the game.
After taking a couple of trips to visit his uncle, Albert Wilson, in New York and his brother, Harrison Wilson IV, in Chicago, Wilson has spent most of the last six weeks rehabilitating his knee and relishing his role as one of NC State’s most recognizable student-athletes.
He’s waiting for the third of three MRIs on his injured knee that will let him know when he might be cleared to participate in baseball, which begins on Friday, and spring football practice, which begins on March 20.
He’s been getting up at 5 a.m. for rehab treatments and limited football workouts. He goes to class in the middle of the day. And then he goes to Doak Field at Dail Park to do what he can on the baseball field in the afternoons.
When he goes home, he watches movies and a little ESPN SportsCenter.
“I like to relax,” Wilson said. “Staying around the apartment is relaxing to me, especially after being gone all day long. I enjoy every day. You just have to get into the right mindset of working hard and getting better.”
He’s itching to play, of course, but has generally spent most of his time rehabbing, signing autographs and doing a few television, radio and print interviews.
“My knee is doing well and I feel good,” Wilson said. “I’m working out and getting stronger and stronger. All I can do is work hard and get my knee ready to go. Once I’m back, I’m back. I’m not really worried about anything.”
And he’s found being a celebrity isn’t such a bad thing.
“There are a lot of young kids who come up to me now and I love that,” Wilson said. “I know when I was little, seeing people who were great athletes, it was a good experience for me.
“I looked up to those people, and I want to be a good example for the kids who come to meet me.”
You may contact Tim Peeler at tim_peeler@ncsu.edu.
