Wisconsin Football: How Does Danny O'Brien Stack Up Against Russell Wilson?

The comparisons began as soon as the commitment rolled through the fax machine. 

Danny O'Brien, the former Maryland quarterback, would follow in the footsteps of ACC compatriot Russell Wilson and become a Badger. But he couldn't be nearly as good as the NC State transplant, could he?

Wilson's mix of moxie, efficiency and deadly accuracy made him a Dairy State legend in less than a year. His shoes will be hard to fill, but the increasingly competitive nature of college football demands someone at least try them on. Most fans are already looking to O'Brien to lace up as the starter.   

So it begs the question, how does Danny O'Brien really compare to Wilson when all variables are factored in?

The Eyeball Test

Russell Wilson's one weakness had nothing to do with football and everything to do with genetics. 

While Wilson was constantly asked about his height, O'Brien will most likely never field a question about his prototypical 6'3", 215-pound frame.

Wilson, on the other hand, was listed at 5'11" and 204 pounds.

Seen as both a gift and a curse, the former Wolfpack signal-caller's stature allowed him to be a little more elusive behind a giant Wisconsin line. That same line may have also accentuated Wilson's vertical limits.

Either way, O'Brien wins the height test, as arbitrary as that test may be. 

The Wheels

When it comes to mobile quarterbacks, Wilson can shake, bake and then serve up seconds. 

Wilson's sheer ability to run and juke kept defenses as honest as a monk and as angry as a hornets' nest. He ran 79 times for 338 yards in 2011 averaging better than four yards per carry with six touchdowns at Wisconsin. In his last season at Maryland, he was responsible for 422 yards rushing. 

Last year, O'Brien did not tuck and run much, and when he did—it did not end well with less than 2 yards per carry. The year before was even worse with 2 yards per carry, the other way. 

The Arm

Danny O'Brien is a passer whose mechanics who would make an engineer cry tears of happiness.  

His nearly 60 percent passing efficiency grade in 2010 made the the quarterback the ACC Newcomer of the Year. As a Terp, he passed for more that 4,000 yards on 29 touchdowns and 18 interceptions in two years.

In the same time frame, Wilson threw for closer to 5,000 yards. 

Wilson may have the edge in career stats before heading to the Badgers, but he did not have to endure a painful coaching regime change that resulted in a dismal 2011 for the entire team. 

Intangibles

Russell Wilson became one of the team's captains in less than two months. His ability to command a presence and lead a huddle would be evident to every man, woman and child near the stadium. 

Part of Wilson's effect on team had to do with his fastidious and tireless preparation.

O'Brien seems to be cut from the same mold. He loves football and has the intelligence to back it up. 

Head-to-Head

Pundits and experts will continue to compare the two quarterbacks from first snap to last touchdown.

But no one will be able to take away the fact that O'Brien bested Wilson when Maryland met NC State in 2010 by a score of 38-17.