Russell Wilson Passes on Baseball To Declare for NFL Draft

In a battle between the NFL and the Colorado Rockies, the NFL wins.

Former Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Russell Wilson has decided to declare for the draft and begin preparations, according to Pete Thamel of the New York Times.

He was selected with the 140th pick in the 2010 MLB draft, hitting .228 with three home runs and 15 RBI in 61 games with the Rockies’ Single-A affiliate.

The 5'11", 210-pounder already graduated from NC State and still had a year of eligibility.

His coach at NC State gave him an ultimatum to pick one sport or the other, and that didn’t sit well with Wilson. He chose to finish his career as a Badger, and led the team to a Big Ten championship and appearance in the Rose Bowl. He finished with 3,175 yards, 33 touchdowns and only four interceptions.

Wilson, a consensus first-team All-Big Ten selection this season, was named the Griese-Brees Quarterback of the Year in the Big Ten after a record-setting season for the Badgers.

He set the NCAA single-season record for pass efficiency (191.8) while also setting school marks for passing yards (3,175), touchdown passes (33), completions (225) and yards of total offense (3,513).

Including his time at NC State, Wilson threw for 11,720 yards and 109 touchdowns during his college career, while rushing for an additional 1,421 yards and 23 scores.

The big issue for Wilson going forward is his height. Only three quarterbacks since 2000 have been under 6-feet and have been invited to the Combine.

Considering the less than stellar numbers put up in baseball, this looks like the best gamble for Wilson. Expect him to get drafted at some point on the second day. He has the Senior Bowl and the combine to improve his stock.