Redshirt freshman Russell Wilson will start at quarterback for NC State in the 2008 season opener against the South Carolina Gamecocks in Columbia, S.C, head coach Tom O'Brien announced today.
Wilson, from Richmond, Va., will be just the third Wolfpack signal caller since 1971 to start as a freshman in his first collegiate game. He is also just the eighth freshman quarterback to start a game over that time frame.
"As I've said from the beginning, the decision would be made on who we feel gives us the best opportunity to win the football game, and right now we feel Russell Wilson will do that," said O'Brien. "He will be our starter as we go but we certainly feel that Daniel [Evans] has some things he can contribute to this football team, as well. Russell is the starter and Daniel is the backup, but as Daniel knows he is one play away from being the starter."
"I'm excited to be the starter," Wilson said. "I believe Daniel and I can both step in and help this team win some games. The team is really excited to go down to South Carolina and we hope it will be a great game."
When Wilson takes the field against USC on August 28, he will be the third starting quarterback used by O'Brien since the start of his inaugural season in 2007. Evans started eight games last season, with redshirt junior Harrison Beck starting the other four contests.
"I'm very excited about the opportunity to play on Thursday," Evans said. "I know Russell is going to do a great job. Hopefully we can both help the team go down and compete against the Gamecocks."