Russell Wilson, NC State Savior, Becomes First Frosh to Be Named First Team All-ACC

North Carolina State University athletics have not been a strong source of pride for fans, alumni, and, um, people like me (all of the above in a weird way) recently. After all, the team struggled mi-high-tily to start the season in football and wasn't nearly as good as advertised in basketball last year.

But recently, a young man named Russell Wilson has changed the outlook of many a Wolfpack fan with his senior-like play as a freshman under center. The team went on a resurgent tear, "sweeping the state" and beating Miami to become bowl eligible. And everyone involved (or watching) will attribute most of it to Wilson's stellar play. And for that, he has been rewarded with First Team All-ACC recognition.

North Carolina State's Russell Wilson became the first freshman quarterback picked to the all-ACC first team, while Yellow Jackets running back Jonathan Dwyer and Demon Deacons cornerback Alphonso Smith were the only unanimous selections.

Wilson received 106 of 134 possible votes and anyone with any rational sense of what's gone on in the ACC over the past few weeks will tell you it's well deserved.

And yes, in fairness, it is an equal testament to a down year in the ACC -- it's entirely likely that if there were a few legitimate powerhouses in the conference, Wilson wouldn't have won this award. But that aside, it's absolutely imperative to recognize that the all purpose freshman is in fact the truth, and should he decide to not continue a career in baseball, will be making waves in the ACC over the next few years.

That's not to say that we should all get as enthusiastic as the fine gentlemen at State Fans Nation, but if you want to hop on a rising star's bandwagon before it gets all Boston-style annoying, Wilson is your guy.