Russell Wilson '07: Awaiting the Call, Embracing the Challenge
Late this week, the Wilson clan will convene in Washington, DC, to share a joyous, life-altering moment with one of its own.
Sometime Friday evening (but maybe Saturday afternoon), Russell Wilson, whose uncle Benjamin is hosting the fete, will realize a long-standing dream when he’s selected in the 2012 National Football League draft.
ESPN and an assemblage of other media outlets will be on hand to record the 2007 Collegiate graduate’s initial response once he learns via personal phone call, then public announcement the identity of his future employer.
Without a doubt, Wilson will look directly into the camera and speak as he always does: with composure, confidence, sincerity, and humility.
“I’m very excited, thrilled, and honored to have this opportunity,” said the man of the hour as his big day approached.
Sometime Friday evening (but maybe Saturday afternoon), Russell Wilson, whose uncle Benjamin is hosting the fete, will realize a long-standing dream when he’s selected in the 2012 National Football League draft.
ESPN and an assemblage of other media outlets will be on hand to record the 2007 Collegiate graduate’s initial response once he learns via personal phone call, then public announcement the identity of his future employer.
Without a doubt, Wilson will look directly into the camera and speak as he always does: with composure, confidence, sincerity, and humility.
“I’m very excited, thrilled, and honored to have this opportunity,” said the man of the hour as his big day approached.
Wilson, of course, is the quarterback par excellence who starred at N.C. State (2008-2010) and Wisconsin (2011) after he led Collegiate to consecutive VISAA championships (2005 and 2006) and twice earned Richmond Times-Dispatch player of the year honors.
“Russell’s a proven winner,” said Charlie McFall, co-director of athletics and the Cougars’ head football coach during Wilson’s nonpareil tenure.
“At N.C. State and Wisconsin, he proved he could play with the big boys.
“Those who choose to underestimate him should just talk to the opposing teams the last four years.”
Since the Badgers’ 11-3 season ended at the Rose Bowl, Wilson’s life has been an exhilarating whirlwind of activity.
He conducted the Russell Wilson Passing Academy at Collegiate shortly on January 7-8.
He married Ashton Meem on January 14.
He auditioned for scouts, coaches, general managers, and owners at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, the NFL Combine in Indianapolis, and Pro Day in Madison.
He trained with IMG in Sarasota, FL, under the guidance of, among others, highly respected coaches Loren Seagrave (speed) and Chris Weinke (quarterback development).
“It’s been very hectic,” he said. “I’ve met with pretty much every team.
"Threw a ton of balls. I think I performed very well.
“You get mentally focused, just like in a game."
During respites in Richmond, Wilson worked out regularly with Will O’Brien and Adam Moss, Collegiate’s strength and conditioning coaches.
“Russell’s work ethic is outstanding,” O’Brien said. “He’s extremely hungry, incredibly driven, and so internally motivated that he doesn’t even need a workout partner.
“Russell is very detail oriented. He wants to know the ‘why’ behind what we’re doing. That reflects his personal quest for knowledge.”
While analysts acknowledge that the 205-pound Wilson has all the right stuff physically, mentally, and emotionally, the knock all along has been his height, which is a shade under 5-11.
That said, in a recent commentary on ESPN, former Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ head coach Jon Gruden, called Wilson “one of the steals of this draft.”
“You can say a 5-10 quarterback can’t play pro football today, but I’ve watched him at N.C. State and Wisconsin,” said Gruden, who coached the Bucs to victory in Super Bowl XXXVII.
“I’ve talked to a lot of coaches who had to defend him, and they’re glad he’s going to the NFL. I promise you that.”
This past fall, a phalanx of blockers averaging 6-5, 335 afforded Wilson the opportunity to complete 225 of 309 passes for 3,175 yards and 33 touchdowns against only four interceptions. His quarterback efficiency rating was 191.8.
“He played behind the biggest offensive line in college football,” Gruden continued. “I mean, the center, (Peter) Konz is 6-5½ (and 315 pounds). He was the biggest center in college football. (Kevin) Zeitler, the right guard got to be 6-5½. (He is actually listed at 6-4, 315).
“All of these Wisconsin Badgers are every bit, size-wise, as big as any line in pro football.”
During his college career, Wilson was exposed to many elements of the professional game.
“At N.C. State and Wisconsin, I threw professional routes,” he said. “It wasn’t different at all (from NFL receivers’ routes).
“I’m definitely preparing, mentally and physically.
“I’m in the best shape I’ve ever been in going into mini-camp, going into camp.
“Hopefully, I can win a job. That’s my mentality.”
-- Weldon Bradshaw
(The 77th NFL Draft runs from April 26-28. Round 1 is Thursday night, Rounds 2 and 3 are Friday night, and Rounds 4 through 7 begin at noon Saturday. ESPN and the NFL Network will televise the event, which will take place at Radio City Music Hall in New York.)
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“Russell’s a proven winner,” said Charlie McFall, co-director of athletics and the Cougars’ head football coach during Wilson’s nonpareil tenure.
“At N.C. State and Wisconsin, he proved he could play with the big boys.
“Those who choose to underestimate him should just talk to the opposing teams the last four years.”
Since the Badgers’ 11-3 season ended at the Rose Bowl, Wilson’s life has been an exhilarating whirlwind of activity.
He conducted the Russell Wilson Passing Academy at Collegiate shortly on January 7-8.
He married Ashton Meem on January 14.
He auditioned for scouts, coaches, general managers, and owners at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, the NFL Combine in Indianapolis, and Pro Day in Madison.
He trained with IMG in Sarasota, FL, under the guidance of, among others, highly respected coaches Loren Seagrave (speed) and Chris Weinke (quarterback development).
“It’s been very hectic,” he said. “I’ve met with pretty much every team.
"Threw a ton of balls. I think I performed very well.
“You get mentally focused, just like in a game."
During respites in Richmond, Wilson worked out regularly with Will O’Brien and Adam Moss, Collegiate’s strength and conditioning coaches.
“Russell’s work ethic is outstanding,” O’Brien said. “He’s extremely hungry, incredibly driven, and so internally motivated that he doesn’t even need a workout partner.
“Russell is very detail oriented. He wants to know the ‘why’ behind what we’re doing. That reflects his personal quest for knowledge.”
While analysts acknowledge that the 205-pound Wilson has all the right stuff physically, mentally, and emotionally, the knock all along has been his height, which is a shade under 5-11.
That said, in a recent commentary on ESPN, former Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ head coach Jon Gruden, called Wilson “one of the steals of this draft.”
“You can say a 5-10 quarterback can’t play pro football today, but I’ve watched him at N.C. State and Wisconsin,” said Gruden, who coached the Bucs to victory in Super Bowl XXXVII.
“I’ve talked to a lot of coaches who had to defend him, and they’re glad he’s going to the NFL. I promise you that.”
This past fall, a phalanx of blockers averaging 6-5, 335 afforded Wilson the opportunity to complete 225 of 309 passes for 3,175 yards and 33 touchdowns against only four interceptions. His quarterback efficiency rating was 191.8.
“He played behind the biggest offensive line in college football,” Gruden continued. “I mean, the center, (Peter) Konz is 6-5½ (and 315 pounds). He was the biggest center in college football. (Kevin) Zeitler, the right guard got to be 6-5½. (He is actually listed at 6-4, 315).
“All of these Wisconsin Badgers are every bit, size-wise, as big as any line in pro football.”
During his college career, Wilson was exposed to many elements of the professional game.
“At N.C. State and Wisconsin, I threw professional routes,” he said. “It wasn’t different at all (from NFL receivers’ routes).
“I’m definitely preparing, mentally and physically.
“I’m in the best shape I’ve ever been in going into mini-camp, going into camp.
“Hopefully, I can win a job. That’s my mentality.”
-- Weldon Bradshaw
(The 77th NFL Draft runs from April 26-28. Round 1 is Thursday night, Rounds 2 and 3 are Friday night, and Rounds 4 through 7 begin at noon Saturday. ESPN and the NFL Network will televise the event, which will take place at Radio City Music Hall in New York.)
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