In many ways Urban Meyer’s fingerprints have been everywhere in the news. He became head coach of the Ohio State University football team last November after leaving his job as head coach of the University of Florida following the 2010 season. His most notable NFL product of late is former Gators’ quarterback Tim Tebow has been blowing up in the media and creating buzz in social network conversation while taking the Denver Broncos as far as the AFC Divisional Playoff Round. However, it’s another former signal caller of Urban Meyer’s that has pretty much been flying under the radar until just recently. Alex Smith of the San Francisco 49ers, former QB for Urban Meyer at the University of Utah, has quietly had himself a very nice season as he and the 49ers under coach Jim Harbaugh went 13-3 in the regular season. The 49ers survived a last minute showdown and beat the New Orleans Saints to advance to the NFC Championship game. Last Sunday they lost in dramatic fashion at home to the New York Giants for a spot in the Super Bowl at Indianapolis and now look forward to next season.

This was a surprising turnaround season for a team that went just 6-10 last season and fell one win away from a shot at its first Super Bowl appearance in 18 years. Most of the credit for such a huge turnaround is given to rookie head coach Jim Harbaugh, former Stanford head coach, and his decision to keep 7th year quarterback, and Number 1 overall pick in the 2005 Draft, Alex Smith after having six disappointing seasons for the 49ers. No doubt that much of the 49ers success is credited to their top-flight defense led by defensive end Justin Smith and linebacker Patrick Willis as well as their running game spearheaded by Frank Gore, but not much credit is given to Alex Smith for the fact that he is not putting up anything close to Drew Brees-like numbers. Before the Jim Harbaugh takeover, Smith didn’t have much consistency in his coaching as he had six different offensive coordinators in all six seasons as well as having both former head coaches with defensive backgrounds.

It can be argued that he was a “born-again” rookie this season for many reasons. The first reason is that he has a new coach in Jim Harbaugh who is a more offensive minded coach being that he, too, was once a quarterback in the NFL for 14 seasons. The second reason is that with a new coach, as well as offensive coordinator Greg Roman, Smith is learning a new system that is similar to the West Coast Offense that legendary 49ers’ coach Bill Walsh ran during the Golden Era in San Francisco that won them five Super Bowl Championships. The third reason is the new mentality that Smith has taken on in that he isn’t the same timid guy that he used to be; Smith has admitted that he really doesn’t care what others think of him, his stats, and his play on the field. All he, and the rest of the 49ers, believe in is “the team, the team, the team” and it is shown by the fact that every player seems to be focused on winning rather then personal accolades. This all has given Alex Smith a new swagger that he never really had in the NFL and he seems to be having fun winning as he has been cool and relaxed much like former 49ers Super Bowl legend QB “Joe Cool” Montana was under Bill Walsh. Smith tied for first this season for the most fourth quarter comebacks with five, including the 49ers comeback against the New Orleans Saints in the playoffs.

The change in Alex Smith’s performance can be seen in his stats from the 2011 season as well as his performance in the 49ers playoff win over the Saints when he led a comeback in the 4th quarter. Smith had a career year this season by throwing an average of 195 yards per game, 17 touchdowns, rushing for 2 touchdowns, 60% completion rate, 90.7 passer rating, and a low 5 interceptions all in 16 starts. His stats are obviously nowhere near that of the NFL elite quarterbacks but playing on a balanced offensive attack that enforces the run first mentality does not require Smith to attempt very many passes. However, Smith has been efficient and a 17 to 5 ratio of TDs to Interceptions show that he has been very smart about his passing attempts which explains the solid 90.7 passer rating. He seemed to have taken a step back recently as his performance in the NFC Championship game didn’t go as well as 49ers fans would have liked, but he really only had one target to throw to in Vernon Davis as the 49ers’ receivers were held in check.

Over a year ago, fans would boo at the sight of Smith on the field and this season it was as if a new guy was in there leading the team through the playoffs. He gave fans a glimpse of hopes for future offensive production in the NFC Divisional Playoff game as he stepped up and led the 49ers to a fourth quarter comeback twice going 80+ yards on his final two drives. The first drive was fueled by a big run by Frank Gore that put the 49ers in field goal range. On 3rd and 7 with the ball 28 yards from the end zone, Smith ran “QB 9”, a play designed for Smith to run behind a block from Joe Staley for the go ahead score. With over two minutes to go Drew Brees led a drive capped off by a huge touchdown to tight end Jimmy Graham to put the Saints ahead 32-29. Smith stayed cool as he led the 49ers to another go-ahead drive as he completed five passes. He threw a perfect strike to tight end Vernon Davis with 14 seconds left in the game that put San Francisco into a euphoric state as they witnessed what is referred to as “The Catch III”. Smith finished the game with 3 TD throws, a rushing TD, no interceptions, and a ton of fan support as this 7th year rookie had a whole fan base excited about the future of the 49ers. His contract is up after this season and it is safe to say that he will most likely be back in San Francisco next year looking to build off of his 2011 successes.

Chargers linebacker Travis LaBoy gives advice to young aspiring linebackers, talks about what Takeo Spikes brings to the team and what it will take for a Chargers run at the Lombardi Trophy.

The NFL Draft takes place from April 22-24 in its first year of the new three-day format. There aren’t many NFL Draft prospects with roots to the Valley, but what the group lacks in quantity, it makes up for in quality. MVP Magazine provides a look at the NFL Draft prospects who played high school football in Arizona.

Danny Batten, DE/LB, South Dakota State, Mesa (Mesquite H.S.)
Ten teams visited Batten’s Pro Day. An accomplished, versatile player but at Division I-AA. Projected 7th round.

Kyle Calloway, OL, Iowa, Vail, AZ
Huge at 6-7, 323 pounds. A steady, versatile offensive linemen who should have a solid NFL career. Projected 6th round.

Everson Griffen, DE, USC, Avondale (Agua Fria)
First-round talent, but inconsistency and question about work ethic may cause him to drop. Could be a star NFL pass rusher. Projected 1st round.

Max Hall, QB, BYU, Mesa (Mountain View)
NFL teams rarely draft a QB that is only six-feet tall with questionable arm strength. Hall hopes Drew Brees’ success will reflect on his potential. Projection 4th round.

Keaton Kristick, LB, Oregon State, Fountain Hills (St. Mary’s)
A smart, active player but lack of ideal size and strength will hurt draft value. Projected 7th round.

Shelley Smith, OL, Colorado State, Phoenix (Westview)
Good strength and footwork with the ability to be a pulling guard. Some scouts questions his physical play at the point of attack. Projected 6th round.

Ekom Udofia, DL, Stanford, Scottsdale (Chaparral)
A strong, passionate player with good natural instincts who can take up multiple blockers. Better than his numbers indicate. Projected 6th round.

Arizona State University Prospects

ASU has produced its share of stud NFL Draft prospects but this year isn’t one of them. No ASU player figures to be drafted before the fifth round although there are a few players who could go on to have solid NFL careers. Only time will tell if any of them becomes a standout like former Sun Devils Terrell Suggs, Zack Miller or Jake Plummer.

Player POS Projection Comment
Thomas Altieri C Undrafted Knee injuries plagued this talented center.
Dexter Davis OLB Rd. 6 3.5 sacks as a senior will hurt draft value.
Shaun DeWitty RB Undrafted Fast but not an NFL back.
Travis Goethel ILB Rd. 7 An underrated player whose stock is rising.
Shawn Lauvao OG Rd. 4 An anchor on a poor offensive line.
Ryan McFoy SS Undrafted Solid ASU career, but won’t be drafted
Chris McGaha WR Rd. 6 Sure hands, athleticism too good to ignore.
Dimitri Nance RB Undrafted Solid career but never met expectations.
Mike Nixon OLB Undrafted Age works against a talented overachiever.
Danny Sullivan QB Undrafted Never got on track in his one year as starter.
Jovon Williams FB Undrafted Versatile but not an impact player.
Kyle Williams WR Rd. 7 Speed and athleticism may get him drafted.
Jarrell Woods RB Undrafted Only had 18 carries in three years at ASU.

Currently on Rivals, Dillon Baxter (6’0 205lbs), is ranked as the top overall all-purpose back in the nation and the only one with a five star rating at his respective position. As a Mission Bay Bucaneer, he led his team to a perfect season by playing both running back and quarterback. On the season, Dillon rushed for nearly 3,000 yards, scored 50 TDs rushing, 25 TDs through the air and had an impressive average of 11.4 YPC. He went over 300 yards in three different occasions and his lowest rushing mark of the year was 100 yards. As expected, Dillon was recently announced as the National Player of the Year. Dillon will be playing close to home with a commitment to USC.

Close on Dillion’s heels on the Rivals all-purpose back rankings is Brennan Clay (6’0 200lbs), who is currently holding the number two spot. During his junior year at Scripps Ranch, Brennan was a dual threat running back, surpassing 1,000 yards both rushing and receiving. He is a home run threat every time he touches the ball and is an explosive return man. Brennan recently signed with the University of Oklahoma.

Now look at Ricky Seale (5’10 190lbs), a big play back coming out of Escondido High School whose production over the last few years surely speaks for itself. His breakaway speed paired with superior vision has enabled him to amass 2,400 rushing yards and 30 touchdowns in each of the past two season. Towards the end of his senior year he became the leading rusher in CIF-San Diego Section history and first ever in the section to go over 6,000 total rushing yards. He was highly recruited within the PAC-10, and ultimately signed with Stanford.

Then, there is Damien Williams (6’0 200lbs), a newcomer to the list of star running backs leaving San Diego County this year. Everyone always knew that he had talent, but grades and changing schools prevented him from demonstrating his talent early on. During his senior year at Mira Mesa he established himself as a top-tier back by rushing for nearly 2,300 yards, 24 TDs, 9.9 YPC and closing out the season strong with a string of eight consecutive 200 yard performances. Damien is now signed with the Arizona State Sundevils.

Don’t forget about Tony Jefferson (6’1 205lbs), from Eastlake High School, he has rushed for 5 yards shy of 2,000 with a 8.95 YPC and 25 TDs on the season. The scary thing is Tony was being recruited as a Safety and not a running back, so that speaks volumes about his potential to play on both sides of the ball. After being recruited and showing high interest in playing for Michigan, Oklahoma or USC, Tony decided on Oklahoma.

These young players have history on their side; San Diego County has produced more Heisman winners than any other place in the country. Is there something in the water? Maybe it’s a little too early to be speaking about the Heisman, but each one of these players has a chance to be something special, so make sure you keep an eye out for them in the next few seasons.

Brees signed a contract with the New Orleans Saints in 2006 just months after his shoulder surgery. The Saints were in desperate need of a quarterback to turn the team around and bring life back to the city and Brees proved to do just that.  The city of New Orleans also provided the perfect opportunity for the already charitable player to expand and help a community desperately in need. The Brees Dream Foundation has donated more than $4,500,000 to charitable causes and academic institutions in the New Orleans, San Diego and West Lafayette/Purdue communities since its inception

Now, Brees, the Saints, and the city of New Orleans are onto the world stage, though many eyes have been on them all season. The Saints will take on the Indianapolis Colts in South Florida, with no doubt that many will be rooting for this comeback kid. Drew Brees has proven that resurrections can happen for athletes, teams and cities.

Watch below for Drew Brees at the 2009 San Diego Celebrity Golf Classic to see what he has to say about following your dreams and his future.

J.R. Tolver, former SDSU, Miami Dolphins, and Dallas Cowboys receiver, who is now the Sage Hill athletic director and head football coach, hosted what proved to be a once in a lifetime football camp.  The camp was laden with experienced coaches, who proved that they know better than anyone what it takes to dominate the football field.

NFL Players Challenge the Athletes

Aside from the Sage Hill coaching staff, current and former NFL players including Kevin O’Connell, Robert Ortiz, Kirk Morrison, and Freddy Keiaho coached these Orange County athletes throughout a camp that won’t be forgotten.

Playing catch with Kevin O’Connell, joking around with Robert Ortiz, and watching Akbar Gbaja-Biamila evaluate pass rushing attempts of the high schoolers definitely proved to be the highlights of the camp for me. One can only imagine what the experience was like for the athletes attending the camp.

The Drills

The NFL player coaching staff  immersed themselves into the camp.  They got to know each player’s name, their tendencies, and did everything they could to make them a better football player. While New England Patriots receiver Robert Ortiz taught the high school wide outs how to catch and protect the ball, teammate and Tom Brady’s #2 man, Kevin O’Connell, was teaching the quarterbacks how to throw the perfect pass.  Colts linebacker and Super Bowl champion, Freddy Keiaho, taught the linebackers how to find and close up the holes in the line, fellow linebacker Kirk Morrison of the Oakland Raiders worked with the defense trying to instill in them the same drive that pushed him to record 135 tackles last season (3^rd in the NFL).  Running backs learned how to hit the holes with a burst of speed, defensive backs learned how to read the offense, and the line quickly discovered that size isn’t the only key to protecting the quarterback.  Every position received quality instruction from these top NFL talents.

Needless to say, this camp provided high school players of all levels with the opportunity to learn from the best.  Athletes learned that, while the game is physically challenging, success starts with the mind.  Not only did these athletes learn the ins and outs of their respective positions, they got a sense of what kind of mentality is necessary to advance their careers on and off the field. From how to dominate in high school to what it takes to get to the next level, this all star coaching staff spent an extraordinary day giving these athletes all the tools they would need to succeed in the upcoming fall season and life beyond.