O'Brien says Wilson will play football in 2010

Quarterback Russell Wilson will remain at N.C. State in the fall for his junior football season, coach Tom O’Brien said after the team’s spring practice session Tuesday.

Wilson, who isn’t participating in spring practice because he is playing baseball for the Wolfpack, will be eligible for the major league baseball draft this summer. But O’Brien sounded certain Tuesday that Wilson will play football in 2010.

"Russell’s coming back, so I don’t know why there’s ever any question,” O’Brien told reporters.
“He said it again this week that he’s coming back, so write it down. He’s coming back.” O’Brien was asked whether Wilson had told him he was returning. "He’s told me 100 times,” O’Brien said. “I don’t know what he’s telling you guys.”

Tuesday’s statement represents a strengthening in O’Brien’s stance on Wilson. On March 15, O’Brien said it would be “very surprising” if Wilson doesn’t return, but added that N.C. State has another talented player at quarterback in Mike Glennon if Wilson were to leave.

Wilson hasn’t spoken publicly in months about his upcoming decision, but has said that he would let his faith guide him. He was named first-team All-ACC as a redshirt freshman in 2008 and led the ACC with 31 touchdown passes in 2009.

In baseball, while splitting time between the outfield and pitching, Wilson is batting .322 and is 0-1 with a 6.35 earned-run average and one save this season.

Ken Tysiac