Russell Wilson To Start For Seattle This Friday

  Rumors gushed out of Seattle this morning, and then were confirmed by Seahawks head coach, Pete Carroll, that Russell Wilson would start for the team this Friday night against Kansas City.

  The team drafted Wilson to compete against Matt Flynn and Tarvaris Jackson at quarterback. Jackson has since fallen by the wayside and is being shopped around in a potential trade. Flynn backed up Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay and signed with Seattle during the offseason.

  Wilson through the first two games of the Preseason has been impressive. He has gone 22-of-31 for 279 yards and three touchdowns and one rushing touchdown. He outplayed Flynn, who started, during those games, albeit against defensive reserves.
 
  The decision to start Wilson in Week 3 of the Preseason is an interesting one. Teams normally use Week 3 as a dress-rehearsal for a regular season game. As opposed to the first two and last game of the Preseason, teams will gameplan for their opponent, and the starters will usually play three quarters.
 
  Wilson will get a lot of playing time this week with the starters on offense and the Chiefs defense. He will have the chance to earn the starting job for Seattle this Friday.

 
 

NC State Players in Saturday Preseason Games

While checking in on Saturday night NFL preseason games here are some former North Carolina State University players to watch.

 New York Giants vs. New York Jets – In this game watch for former Wolfpack players’ running back Andre Brown and defensive tackle Markus Kuhn to get into the game for the Giants in the second half. Andre Brown, who spent last year on the Giant’s practice squad, will try to make the most of his carries in his uphill battle to make the roster. Markus Kuhn continues to try to improve a crack the Giants’ deep defensive tackle rotation.

Washington Redskins vs. Chicago Bears – The Bears have two former NC State defensive linemen in DeMario Pressley and John McCargo suiting up tonight. McCargo, a former first round selection by the Buffalo Bills, along with Pressley are fighting for roster spots and will have to make the most of every snap they get in the game tonight.

Seattle Seahawks vs. Denver Broncos – This game has several Wolfpack players who are not only trying to make the roster but are looking to contribute to the team. For the Seahawks rookie quarterback Russell Wilson will try to build of a strong performance in the first preseason game to hold on to the backup quarterback position over veteran Tavares Jackson. J.R. Sweezy looks to continue to learn and impress at his new position, offensive guard. Sweezy who was a defensive tackle in college is now listed as second string offensive guard behind Deuce Lutui. For the Broncos linebacker Nate Irving will look to try to increase his playing time with a strong preseason performance. A healthy Irving is currently listed a second string strong side linebacker and also contributes on special teams.

Dallas Cowboys vs. San Diego Chargers – Quarterback Philip Rivers looks to bounce back from a disappointing 2011 season where he threw 20 interceptions. He want have his favorite target Vincent Jackson, but returns a healthy Antonio Gates and Malcolm Floyd. Free agency has bought Rivers some new weapons in wide receivers Robert Meachem, Eddie Royal, and Roscoe Parrish to help the offense.

Thursday Preseason Preview

During tonight NFL pre season games here are some form North Carolina State University players to keep an eye out for on the field.

Tennessee Titans vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – In this game the area to watch is the offensive line. Leroy Harris the starting right guard for the Titans will see increased snaps along with the other starters in this second preseason game and looks to work to get in regular season form. Ted Larsen is the backup center for the Buccaneers looks to continue to improve and impress the coaches to push for that starting job.

Detroit Lions vs. Baltimore Ravens – For the Lions defense two former Pack players will be front and center tonight. Willie Young will try to build off a strong performance in the first pre season game and prove he belongs with the first team defense. One of the leaders of that defense Stephen Tulloch looks to work himself into regular season form.

Buffalo Bills vs. Minnesota Vikings – T.J. Graham played well in his first game in the NFL and in the second pre season game will try to take another step to secure the third receiver spot. Mario Williams coming off missing most of last season due to injury will continue to work himself back into his All- Pro form.

Oakland Raiders vs. Arizona Cardinals – Veteran safety Adrian Wilson will continue try to help whip the Cardinals defense into regular season form in their second preseason game against the Raiders. Wilson showed last week he was ready for the regular season by delivering a big hit to Kansas City Chief wide receiver Terrance Copper during the team’s first pre season game displaying the hard nose intensity that’s become his trademark.

Adrian Wilson Shows His Leadership

Former Wolfpack football player and current Arizona Cardinal starting strong safety Adrian Wilson has signed a two year contract extension while also helping the team’s salary cap. He is now under contract through the 2015 season, but is due to make $10 million less in salary over the next two years. He can recoup some of that if he plays at a Pro Bowl level. The new contract has 6.5 million in guaranteed money, a 250,000 workout bonus, 500,000 bonus for each year he makes the Pro Bowl, in 2014 there is a 1 million dollar roster bonus, and in 2015 500,000 dollar escalator clause.  Wilson’s salary-cap figures are 3.425 million in 2012, 5.425 million in 2013, 4.625 million in 2014 and 4.625 million in 2015.

Rick Scuteri, AP

Wilson who understands his role as a team leader had this to say about the new deal, "I just want to finish my career here, and hopefully the young guys here now understand why I am doing it and put them in a better situation down the road.”  Arizona Cardinal’s head coach Ken Whisenhunt said, “It’s a tribute to Adrian and him putting the team first, but that’s what he has done, and that’s why he’s such a good leader.” “It gives us flexibility with the cap and a chance to get our team better.” Wilson is entering his 12^th season and hopes to finish his career on a high note.

Cullen Jones Captures Medals

Former NC State swimmer Cullen Jones competed in the 2012 London Olympics and bought home two silver medals. Jones, 28, won one for the 4 x 100 relay and the other in the 50-meter freestyle an event in which he holds the American record with a time of 21.40 seconds. This follows him winning a gold medal in the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, while competing in the 4×100-meter freestyle relay in a world record time of 3:08.24 with Michael Phelps, Jason Lezak and Garrett Weber-Gale.

Cullen Jones/ Source: www4.pictures.zimbio.com 

Jones was born in the Bronx New York City before moving to Irvington, New Jersey. He the competed for the Wolfpack men’s swimming team from 2003 – 2006 and he majored in English. While competing at NC State Jones earned All-ACC and All-American honors and won three ACC Championships. He also won a gold medal at the World University Games in the 50 meter freestyle. Jones is only the third African American to make the US Olympic swimming team and the second to share or hold a world record. Now the Olympics games are over Jones said he wants to help popularize the sport of swimming in minority communities and help teach young minority children the joy of swimming.

Preseason Week 1

Here is how former Wolfpack players who participated in Week 1 of the NFL preseason performed.

Buffalo Bills' T. J. Graham / David Duprey / AP 

Nate Irving- LB - Denver Broncos- 5 tackles  in a 31-3 win over the Chicago Bears.

Audie Cole - LB - Minnesota Vikings- 3 tackles and 1 sack in a 16-7 loss to the San Francisco 49ers.

Markus Kuhn  - DT - New York Giants- 1 tackle and 1 passes defended in 32-31 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Andre Brown - RB - New York Giants- 6 rushes for 26 yards and 1 reception for 4 yards in 32-31 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Willie Young  - DE - Detroit Lions- 1 tackle, 1 sack, and 1 force fumble in a 19-17 loss to the Cleveland Browns.

Manny Lawson  - LB - Cincinnati Bengals- 2 tackles and a sack in a 17-6 win over the New York Jets.

T.J. Graham - WR - Buffalo Bills- 3 receptions for 37 yards in a 7-6 loss to the Washington Redskins.

Russell Wilson - QB - Seattle Seahawks- Completed 12 of 16 passes for 124 yards 1 touchdown and 1 interception. He also rushed for 59 yards and a touchdown in a  27-17 win over the Tennessee Titans  .

Philip Rivers  - QB - San Diego- Completed 5 of 3 passes for 37 yards  1 touchdown and 1 interceptions in a 21-13 win over the Green Bay Packers.

Steven Hauschka - PK - Seattle Seahawks- Went 2 for 2 on field goals with a long of 41 yards and was 3 for 3 on extra points in a 27-17 win over the Tennessee Titans.