Mike Glennon: "Time To Shine"

After Mike Glennon took home the Burger King Skills Challenge on ESPN two years ago, NC State fans were already dubbing him "the future of the Wolfpack." With his pedigree, his premiere arm strength, and his size, many believed he would be behind center from day one, mirroring the career of former NC State superstar Philip Rivers.

Enter Russel Wilson.

Wilson, a freshman carrying barely any hype, emerged as a star for the Wolfpack in fall practice and wrestled the job away from Glennon and Junior, Harrison Beck. With the starting quarterback position handed to Wilson, NC State coach Tom O'Brien decided to give Mike Glennon a year to learn and grow, as he was red shirted along with most of the other incoming frosh. However, after a mid-season injury to Wilson, it was believed that Glennon would be take off the red shirt and step onto the field. Tom O'Brien was not going to deviate from his plan, and left Glennon on the sidelines while giving the reigns to Junior, Harrison Beck. A decision that Glennon says was the "right one."

"I told them when I was being recruited and when I got here, that I want them to do what is best for the team and best for me. I think Coach O'Brien did that and Russel ended up having great success, so I think it was the best thing for the team. And for me just to have a year under my belt now, I'm just a lot more confident in my game and I think with 4 years left, rather than 3, I'm just a lot better off." Glennon said, during Media Day.

With a year of watching and learning from the sidelines, the red shirt freshman feels completely ready, something he couldn't say last year at this point.

"That's the thing. Last year I had an idea of the offense but I didn't have a real good grasp of it. I was thinking more then I should have been, when now it's more instinct about where I should go and where I should throw. Going through a full season last year and camp this year, I think it was very beneficial to me (to sit out last season)."

With an All-ACC caliber quarterback in Russell Wilson, and one of the top ranked young quarterbacks in the league, The Wolfpack offensive coordinator, Dana Bible, must be foaming at the mouth, ready to throw the book at opposing defenses. Glennon, being more of a Pro-style, prototypical pocket passer, and Wilson with the dual threat attack, should be able to give defensive coordinators fits all season long. Although, there is two sides to this sword, and while having two great quarterbacks gives a team lots of flexibility, it also is an opportunity for controversy. Lucky for Tom O'Brien, that shouldn't be much of a problem, as Glennon certainly has taken on a team first approach to the situation.

"Me and Russell are both competitors, we are always competing in everything we do, but I also know my role on this team. I know that Russell is a very good quarterback and i need to be patient and wait for Coach to call my number. We are both very competitive and we're both working very hard in practice."

With a positive attitude and tons of talent, Mike Glennon knows that success is just around the corner. He realizes that with hard work, and patience, his time will come. The only thing he is worried about is being ready, and being capable when he steps on the field on Saturdays.

"You come to college to play, you don't come to college to sit. When I get in there, I just have to make the most of my opportunities."

Something Pack fans are certainly eager to witness.

**written by Wolfack Pigskin**