MILWAUKEE — Russell Wilson, a fourth-round pick by the Rockies in the 2010 amateur draft, has left the organization’s Single-A affiliate in Asheville, N.C., and will play football at Wisconsin this fall.
Wilson will transfer from North Carolina State, where he played three seasons. Because he graduated and is enrolling in graduate school at Wisconsin, Wilson will be eligible to play immediately.
Wilson was hitting .228 with three home runs and 15 RBIs in 61 games as a second baseman at Asheville. According to a statement released by the Rockies, Wilson will be put on the minor-league restricted list, and his rights will be retained by the Rockies if he returns to baseball.
North Carolina State coach Tom O’Brien released the all-Atlantic Coast Conference quarterback two months ago largely because his baseball commitments kept him from taking part in offseason workouts.
Wilson also visited Auburn before settling on Wisconsin.
Former Clemson quarterback Kyle Parker, the Rockies’ first-round pick last year, is with Asheville this season.
Parker, a right fielder, is hitting .280 with nine home runs, 15 doubles and 53 RBIs.
