Photo courtesy of North Carolina State athletics
By Thomas Grant Jr.
Former Richland Northeast quarterback Will Wilson closed out his freshman college season with a career performance.
The former “Mr. South Carolina Football” had an historic performance for North Carolina State this past Saturday at Carter-Finley Stadium. He rushed for four touchdowns on 12 carriers in the 42-19 win over rival North Carolina.
Wilson’s four scores from seven, one, 15 and three yards set a team single-game record for a quarterback. It was also second-most in team history behind running back T.A. McLendon who had five in 2002.
“It means a lot,” Wilson said after the game. “But it means the most just being out there and being a contributor and play for the seniors and give them a win. That meant the most.”
The win extended the Wolfpack’s winning streak to five games over the Tar Heels. Head coach Dave Doeren also joined former North Carolina State head coaches Dick Sheridan, who won a state title at Orangeburg-Wilkinson in 1971, and Tom O’Brien, in accomplishing that feat.
The Wolfpack offense was aggressive and opportunistic throughout the night, going 4-for-4 on fourth downs, including a fake punt. Each of those drives ended with seven points.
Wilson finished with 54 rushing yards as part of a quarterback room that accounted for 320 of the Wolfpack’s 386 total yards. He finished the season with 39 carries for 149 yards and nine rushing touchdowns.
North Carolina State (7-5, 4-4) now awaits where they will be heading to play their bowl game. The announcement is expected at the conclusion of the conference championship weekend.