Wisconsin Badgers QB Russell Wilson’s arrival in Madison has been nothing more than outstanding through the first seven weeks of the college football season. We’ve seen him throw, run and now catch touchdowns (he really can do it all) on a journey which could quite possibly lead to a Heisman Trophy.
But, the most shocking part of Wilson’s game is his ability to embrace any situation put in front of him. Russell is mature beyond the game of college football and acts as if the words “pressure” and “nerves” are foreign to him.
In an age where so many star athletes are all about their-selves or portrayed as so, Wilson is showing the nation how to be an exemplary student athlete.
Those who have named Wilson as a “one-and-done” or “free-agent” college football player haven’t spent enough time around the kid who hails from Richmond, Virginia. Russell came to Wisconsin because it was the “smart,” choice and because he was intelligent enough to graduate in three years at North Carolina State.
Head Coach Bret Bielema has mentioned on numerous occasions that Russell is “a special kind of player.” He attributes that statement to Wilson’s “sound preparation.”
Russell’s determination and work-ethic are second-to-none, kind of reminds you of a guy named J.J. Watt. After demolishing the Indiana defense in a 59-7 win, he was asked about the proficiency of the offense and he gave the kind of answer Badgers fans have come accustomed to this year.
“I think we’re doing a great job, but we can always do better. It’s my job as a quarterback and as the quarterback of this team, is to push guys and make sure we’re on the same page all the time. If we do that, we’ll have a great team. We just need to keep working every day,” answered Wilson with his trademark confidence.
Wilson’s statistics are off the charts as he ranks as the most efficient QB in the NCAA and brings a balanced attack never seen before on a Badgers team.
However, it’s not just the statistics that are setting him above everyone else on the football field, it’s his natural ability to be a leader and the way he makes everyone around him play better football.
Number 16’s family made their first trip to Madison this past Saturday and in the process watched Russell Wilson do what he does best, win and do so with no fears whatsoever.
Even Wilson’s mother had to know if anything could shake the rock-solid signal caller. During the post-game interviews and among the crowd of media, Tammy Wilson asked “It’s the first game your mother came to see you at, was there any pressure for you to play in front of your mom for the first time at Wisconsin?”
Russell proudly responded, “No pressure at all, my mom always watches and believes in me. It was definitely exciting to see her and my sister as well. It’s a blessing for them to be able to come.”
Everything about the Wilson family is professional and I have no doubt that the entire state of Wisconsin believes in Russell and his game.
Don’t forget to follow @RussellManiaXVI to show your support in the Heisman campaign.
What do you think of Russell Wilson, is he the kind of player each and every student athlete should strive to be like? Let me know by commenting below!
Nick Grays is a senior writer at the Sports Bank where he covers the Wisconsin Badgers, Green Bay Packers, and Milwaukee Brewers. He also enjoys to share Fantasy Advice from time-to-time. Follow him on Twitter by clicking here or visit his blog Nick Knows Best.