Russell Wilson: I knew Travis Frederick would be a first-round pick; ‘I love the guy to death’
By Jon Machota
jmachota@dallasnews.com
5:10 pm on October 8, 2014 |
IRVING – Dallas Cowboys center Travis Frederick and Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson played together for one season at the University of Wisconsin.
After spending his first three collegiate seasons at North Carolina State, Wilson transferred to Wisconsin for his senior year.
Wilson and Frederick helped the Badgers go 11-3 in 2011, winning the Big Ten title and earning a trip to the Rose Bowl.
“When I first saw him, he was exactly who he is now,” Frederick said Wednesday. “When he came in, he did those things that he does now back at Wisconsin. That was one of the things that made us so good that year is that we had him.
“He’s a really good player, super explosive, does a lot of good things and he’s a really good leader. The best thing I can say about him, I totally respect him as a player and as a person, and from what I know of him, everything you hear about in the media and on TV, that really is the true guy. You have to respect somebody when they’re like that.”
The Super Bowl-winning quarterback was just as complimentary of Frederick when asked about his former teammate during a Wednesday conference call.
“First of all, he’s probably one of the most intelligent people you’ll ever meet,” Wilson said. “I think he was in [computer] engineering at the University of Wisconsin. He was probably a 4.0 guy, maybe higher. But very intelligent. He loved the game of football. Very poised.
“He was able to play left guard for us. We had Peter Konz start at center. But also when Peter went down, he played center. We had a good relationship. He can play some really good football. I knew Travis was going to be a first-round pick because of his demeanor. His love for the game was pretty remarkable.
“I remember when I got to Wisconsin, one of the first weeks I was there I was watching film all by myself and he came in there and started watching it with me. I just remember how hard of a worker he was. I had the opportunity to always lift with him. I would squat next to him. He’s putting 700 pounds on the bar and I’m over there squatting 300, maybe.
“Just to be around him was always a great thing. I’m really happy for him. To get to watch him play on Sunday will be a really exciting thing. I love the guy to death.”
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Interesting.
Often QBs will have a hell of a relationship with the guy whose ass they cup their hands behind.
Wonder if Frederick knows Wilson better than most, have to think he would.