The 49ers started off Sunday morning with their third-round selection of cornerback Reggie Smith out of Oklahoma.
Unlike the 49ers first two picks who had large gatherings to celebrate their selections on Saturday, Smith received the news while still in bed.
"I was in bed still," admitted Smith. "I just rolled out. I was just waiting. I didn't know when I would get drafted. I had heard anything from second to third."
Smith began his three-year Oklahoma career as the starting strong safety in just his third collegiate game, and went on to earn Freshman All-American honors. Smith was well-traveled in the secondary in 2005 as a freshman, starting that season at "field" cornerback, before he shifted to "boundary" cornerback for the third game. He finished out the year calling defensive signals for the defensive backfield at strong safety.
Smith said he hopes to start out playing corner at the NFL level, but is open to working at safety.
"I'm happy either way," said Smith. "Either one is fine with me. I think I can play corner, safety or the nickel if you need me too."
Smith was also used as the team's punt returner, as the coaches experimented using him as a wide receiver during his 2006 campaign.
The 2007 season brought about yet another change for this talented youngster, as he returned to "field" cornerback for the team's first 13 games. The shutdown cornerback was shut down for his final college game, missing the 2008 Fiesta Bowl due to a broken toe.
"Versatility," answered Smith when asked about his strong suit. "I can help out with a lot of different positions and I just want to come out and help out wherever I can whether that be special teams or the secondary."
Smith finished his three-year collegiate career ranked 16th among Sooner defensive backs with 166 career tackles. His 12.5 stops behind the line of scrimmage rank eighth among Oklahoma defensive backs, while his 22 pass breakups tied Zac Henderson (1974-77) and Terry Ray (1988) for 10th all-time in OU annals.
Smith averaged 21.85 yards per kickoff return, the sixth-best career average in Oklahoma history behind Joe Wylie (25.67 avg, 1970-72), Antwone Savage (25.46, 1999-02), Brandon Daniels (23.85, 1996-99), Jack Mitchell (22.93, 1946-48) and Buster Rhymes (22.49, 1980-84). He gained 377 yards on kickoff returns as a freshman in 2005, the fourth-highest season total in school annals, surpassed by Brandon Daniels (508 in 1999), Antwone Savage (448 in 2001) and Greg Pruitt (396 in 1970).
To listen to Reggie's conference call with local media, please click here and visit our media center.
