O'Brien wants competition in spring

Miami head coach Randy Shannon meets with N.C. State head coach Tom O'Brien before kick off on November 29, 2008.

By Ken Medlin
Mar 16, 2009

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Tom O’Brien wants some old-fashioned competition in NC State’s spring football practice - even at quarterback.

When asked about redshirt freshman quarterback Mike Glennon’s status, O’Brien said, “I hope he competes for the job and tries to take it away from Russell (Wilson).”

That will be easier said than done, considering Wilson made first-team all-ACC as a freshman quarterback.

But Wilson is injured – a sprained knee suffered in the PapaJohns.com bowl – and he has yet to be cleared for full contact drills, although that could come as soon as next week.

O’Brien expressed concern that Wilson’s all-out style of play could make him vulnerable to even more injuries.

“There’s a lot of things decision-making-wise that he has to get better at that will keep him from some of these injury situations,” O’Brien said, referring specifically to Wilson’s tendency to run with the ball.

As for the running game itself, NC State again has an injury to deal with as senior Jamelle Eugene will miss spring practice with a shoulder injury.

But the news is not all bad for the Wolfpack backfield. Senior Toney Baker has been cleared for all drills and appears ready to return after missing essentially two seasons with a knee injury.

“You have to give him credit,” O’Brien said. “He stuck with it. He didn’t miss any rehabs. He was always around and always working to get himself to this point.”

The Wolfpack will begin spring practice on March 20. NC State’s spring football game will be held April 18, and O’Brien plans to dedicate the game to the memory of the late Kay Yow. Fans in attendance will be asked to donate $1 to Yow’s cancer charity fund.

Most Recent Comments

RE: O'Brien wants competition in spring

i agree with you, although, i wasnt aware Russell played defense. or are you saying the defense decided to give up that "sizeable" lead because Russell got hurt?[/quote]

When Russell went out, Beck came in and promptly threw an interception. That's the same as playing defense, IMO. Without Wilson, the offense doesn't move the ball, and the defense is out on the field, giving the other team MORE scoring opportunities.

So yes, Russell Wilson is the difference in that game. We scored less without him, and the other team got more scoring opportunities without him playing.

[quote]i completely understand redwolf, that was just a cheap dig because we when we lose a major player we are told thats no excuse, the other players should step up....i just like to return the favor when i get a chance :):)

I blamed just about everything on our injuries last year. Throughout the year, we had THIRTEEN starters out with injury in total. When you lose an all-ACC QB, with Harrison Beck (who never saw a triple coverage he didn't like to throw into) as the backup, well you do the math.

Carolina lost their QB and found an arguably BETTER QB to replace him with. That injury didn't hurt Carolina NEARLY as much as our injuries hurt us. But I admit, losing your QB is what cost you a win against Va Tech. Most definitely.

Carolina fans were the ones claiming all season that injuries "happen to every team". But this year was an anomaly for State. We suffered MORE injuries, and numerous injuries to KEY players than normal. We didn't have the depth (thanks to the redshirting) to absorb many injuries at all. Carolina had more depth than State. In that sense, they were better than State.

RE: O'Brien wants competition in spring

Sorry coach, NO to spring competition. WE've got too many games now!! Need to go back to 10 or 11-max. 12 is too many.
You're lucky to get spring practices and a scrimmage in spring. Yes, without it, we're dead.

RE: O'Brien wants competition in spring

Football season is almost here man i'm excited about this year should be an interesting year. GO PACK

RE: O'Brien wants competition in spring

i completely understand redwolf, that was just a cheap dig because we when we lose a major player we are told thats no excuse, the other players should step up....i just like to return the favor when i get a chance :):)

RE: O'Brien wants competition in spring

Wilson is not currently playing baseball. He is going through rehab.

With an improved O line, improved D and more experience at WR, NCSU should finish with at least 8 wins plus a mid tier bowl. NC State's OOC is manageable and the conference slate is not bad with the two toughest games being played at VT and FSU.

TOB is only disparaged by the ignorant. He is an excellent coach and excellent disciplinarian. Given the meager resources and tighter admission requirements at BC than most other institutions, he did a great job with what he had. NCSU, or any other public/state school, has a significantly greater upside in football than BC ever had.

WRAL Sports Fan

Ken Medlin