Wilson Released From N.C. State

(Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

North Carolina State granted all-Atlantic Coast Conference quarterback Russell Wilson his release Friday as he pursues a professional baseball career. Wilson had not ruled out using his final year of football eligibility, but coach Tom O’Brien had said during spring drills that the Wolfpack planned to move forward with redshirt junior Mike Glennon at quarterback.

Curious, as Wilson led the league in total offense (3,998 yards) last season with the fourth highest single-season total in league history. Wilson also led the ACC in touchdown responsibility (37) and in touchdown passes (28) last year.

Huh?

“Russell and I have had very open conversations about his responsibilities respective to baseball and football,” O’Brien said in a statement. “While I am certainly respectful of Russell’s dedication to baseball these last several years, within those discussions I also communicated to him the importance of his time

(Ethan Hyman/Raleigh News & Observer)

Wilson had been the face of N.C. State’s program during the past three seasons, winning the ACC’s rookie of the year award in 2008 and leading the league last season in passing yardage. He also won all three starts against rival North Carolina.

But Wilson is playing second base for the Asheville Tourists, a Single-A affiliate of the Colorado Rockies.

“Although I remain undecided on the option of playing college football this coming season, I believe it is in the best interest of the players and coaches involved to end any speculation of my return to the Wolfpack,” Wilson said in a statement. “It has become apparent that the time has come for the program to move on without me.”