Technician Online

August 22nd, 2008

Wilson, Evans react to QB decision and O’Brien talks South Carolina

When redshirt freshman Russell Wilson and graduate student Daniel Evans walked into a meeting with coach Tom O’Brien this morning, both expected that they would be taking the first snap against South Carolina on Thursday. But it was Wilson, the duel-sport star of spring camp, who beat out Evans, last year’s starter.

For Wilson, who grew up throwing to his father Harrison Wilson III, who was drafted as a wide receiver by the San Diego Chargers, the decision was “exciting.”

“I called my parents to let them know,” Wilson said. “They were definitely excited.”

Evans, who finished the season as the starting quarterback in 2007 and returned to the team after graduating, said the decision was tough.

“I’m disappointed, but I’ve had a lot of talks with my dad leading up to this,” Evans said. “Really, coming into this season, I’ve been through every up and every down you could go through as a football player.”

“I really feel like that has prepared me, even for this,” Evans said.

According to O’Brien, he expects Evans to get in the game early against South Carolina. Even if Wilson is playing well, expect to see Evans take over for multiple series against the Gamecocks.

“He’s going to play,” O’Brien said. “Somewhere in the first half, he’s going to have to go in and play. He’s done too much for this program and he’s a good enough player.”

O’Brien will be taking a patient approach with Wilson, who has never played in a college game but will be taking his first snap in front of 80,000 fans in a season opener.

“It’s going to be unlike anything he’s ever experienced,” O’Brien said. “You might as well get it over and get it out of the way and go on from there.”

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