Dear Russell,

I’m writing this letter to you just to make sure you’re aware of the position you have within N.C. State athletics. I know you are more than likely aware of everything I’m going to say, but I just wanted to make sure.

When I first found out you had committed to N.C. State and intended to play both football and baseball, I, like many other Wolfpack fans, decided it was my job to figure out how the next four years of your life would play out.

I set out on a quest to find out more about what you had done in high school. My research turned up 3,000 yards passing and more than 1,000 yards rushing as a senior in football. You were also a .467 hitter on the diamond and got drafted in the 41st round of the 2007 MLB Draft. Not too shabby.

Once I was convinced you had success in both sports, which took about 30 seconds, I decided to look at some physical stats — 5’11’, 200 pounds. That’s when my brain said “he’s just too small; he’d better stick to baseball.”

I assumed your story would be like a lot of other high school football athletes who weren’t quite as big as many of the opponents they would face on the field against Division-I opponents. I assumed your size would hinder the future of your football career and could even potentially force you to choose baseball or change positions on the football team.

Then I got the opportunity to watch you play football.

I’m almost embarrassed I ever thought those things. The way you led the football team was something special to watch. And it was no fluke. You can truly play the game and the entire ACC knows it.

At this point I feel you have the skill set to play at the next level. I know some would say I need to back up for a minute and realize you have only really played about half a season.

I spoke with an NFL scout who works for the San Diego Chargers and he told me you had all the tools to succeed at the next level. He did admit your height would hurt your chances in the NFL, but he said if you were given a chance to play you could most definitely have success in the pros.

The excitement and expectations for the 2009 football season have a lot to do with how you played last year and the success or failure of this year’s team will have a lot to with how you play.

There will be nearly 60,000 Wolfpack fans clad in red and white in Carter-Finley eight times in the fall, and your ability to play football will have a huge impact on their mood.

Not to put any pressure on you or anything.

All that being said, don’t quit playing baseball. It could end up being your meal ticket in the future.

Though you’ve played incredibly well up to this point, it’s hard to imagine things going that well for two more years. Consistent production is key when you’re talking about an NFL-ready player. It’s no easy task to produce at the rate you have for three whole years in the ACC.

I have a feeling you’ll end up on the diamond at some point, and that’s probably for the best. Your athleticisim is just as evident on the baseball field and you won’t have 300+ lb. defensive lineman chasing you.

But for right now, enjoy where you are in your life. Play both sports. Not many of us have that luxury.