Posted by ESPN.com's Heather Dinich

NC State quarterback Russell Wilson has watched the video of himself during the running play last year when he suffered a concussion late in the second quarter of the season opener against South Carolina. In his first collegiate start, Wilson ended the game in the hospital, with the memory of him being carted off the field holding an encouraging thumbs up sign still vivid in the minds of many who saw it.








Marvin Gentry-US PRESSWIRE



North Carolina State quarterback Russell Wilson isn't afraid to play hard.


Yes, he remembers it, but it's not something he cares to dwell on or talk about, even though it will be a similar start to the season next week when the Pack begins at 7 p.m. on Thursday against South Carolina. Nor does he care to relive the East Carolina game, when he suffered another injury. And then there was also the sprained knee he suffered on a first-half rush in the Papajohns.com Bowl.

Despite his reputation for putting himself in harm's way, one thing is clear: Wilson will not play scared in 2009.

"I'm never afraid," Wilson said. "I'm never afraid of doing certain things, or trying to play to the best level I can. I'm definitely excited about this season, and I'm going to be smart. If I need to get down, I need to get down, but I think a lot of that is also watching film and understanding certain situations where I could've gotten down earlier or understanding where I am in the game.

If there's one key to NC State's chances at winning the Atlantic Division, it's keeping Wilson healthy, though the Pack is in a much better situation this year with Mike Glennon as the backup. Even with standout linebacker Nate Irving gone for the season with a broken leg, NC State should still be a much improved football team and in contention for the Atlantic Division title. The high hopes surrounding the program, though, have as much to do with Wilson as anything else.

The redshirt sophomore has thrown 249 straight passes without an interception, the longest streak in school history and the longest active streak in the nation. He led the ACC in passing efficiency (133.9), touchdown passes (17) and total offense (213 yards per game). He rushed for 388 yards last year, the most for a Wolfpack quarterback since 1981.

It's his tendency to pull the ball down and run, though, that makes NC State fans and coaches a little nervous. Wilson will be the best quarterback in the conference this fall, but only if he can stay on the field. Wilson said his understanding of the game has helped him make better decisions.

"A lot of that is just maturing, and experience, understanding the game," he said. "The game has slowed down for me. From the beginning of the season last year to the end of the season last year, even though I got hurt, the game slowed down for me a lot and I'm definitely excited about this season and working as hard as I can and being the best."