PEELER: O'Brien Says Wilson Ready for Return
Courtesy: NC State
Release: 09/08/2008
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Russell Wilson opened the season as the Wolfpack's starting quarterback.
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Russell Wilson opened the season as the Wolfpack's starting quarterback.
BY TIM PEELER
RALEIGH, N.C. ? NC State redshirt freshman quarterback Russell Wilson has been eager to get back on the field since he was medically cleared to play last week, just days after he was knocked unconscious in the Wolfpack?s season-opening loss to South Carolina.
The freshman from Richmond, Va., could have played against William & Mary Saturday, but Wolfpack coach Tom O?Brien opted to put him in for only one special teams play ? when Wilson served as holder on an extra point.
Now, however, O?Brien is ready to return Wilson to the starting lineup when the Wolfpack (1-1 overall) travels to Clemson Saturday to play the No. 23 Tigers at Memorial Stadium, a decision he announced just moments after reserve quarterback Harrison Beck came off the bench to lead State to a 34-24 victory over William & Mary at Carter-Finley Stadium.
Wilson, who won the starting job in the preseason over senior Daniel Evans and Beck, practiced last week with his teammates, but, as is typical with quarterbacks in NC State's practices, was not touched or tackled. O?Brien chose to err on the side of caution, after talking with the team?s medical advisers. He believes the extra week out of action will help protect Wilson from any further complications from the injury.
?I thought it would be better for him to sit out another week,? O?Brien said during his weekly press conference. ?It will be two weeks since he last played that he will be involved in any contact.?
The coach doesn?t expect Wilson to be gun shy in facing the Tigers (1-1 overall).
?But the only way to find out is put him in and play,? O?Brien said.
Senior Meares Green, speaking for the offensive line, says there will be no tangible differences for them with Wilson under center, instead of Evans or Beck. But he is glad that the young dual-sport star is ready to return.
?The offensive line is used to Russell, but we are used to all our quarterbacks,? Green said. ?It will be good to have him back.?
O?Brien said that neither of the Pack?s top two tight ends, senior Anthony Hill nor junior Matt Kushner, will be available for Saturday?s noon game against the Tigers. Hill suffered a chest injury in the South Carolina game, while Kushner suffered a knee injury against William & Mary. That leaves freshman George Bryan and walk-on sophomore Eric Weaver as the starter and top reserve on State?s constantly revamped two-deep chart.
Bryan tied for the team lead with five receptions, including his first career touchdown against the Tribe. But having two inexperienced players at that position will limit offensive coordinator Dana Bible?s options against Clemson.
?We were a big tight-end offense,? O?Brien said. ?Now, we are not.?
The coach also said that neither Jamelle Eugene nor Toney Baker, who have yet to play this season because of injuries, would be ready to play against the Tigers, who were picked as the preseason favorites to win the ACC.
On the bright side, though, O?Brien praised the play of sophomore linebacker Nate Irving, who leads the team with 23 tackles, 3 ? tackles for loss and two interceptions. Irving was named ACC Defensive Back of the Week for his play against William & Mary, which included 13 tackles and his second interception of the season.
The Wolfpack offense has also found an additional option in speedy freshman receiver T.J. Graham, who caught three passes against William & Mary.
They finally found some offense LW and can build on it...Clemson could blow them out, but Pack's D will hopefully keep them in the game...
