Reader comments: Utah Utes: Smith has one year to secure future with 49ers

71 comments  |  Read story

Page: 1 2
Utah Man | 6:26 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008
Four offensive coaches in four years, no wide recievers, horific offensive line and to boot your the scape goat for a coach who is more worried about being able to wear a suite on the side lines than he is about coaching. Alex needs a new start, and there are pleanty of teams he would fit in with. I wish him the best, and hope he gets a legitimate shot somewhere else.
Tough Reality | 7:00 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008
Sounds like a Ute Homer to me. Guess you haven't heard of Jason Campbell with the Washington Red Skins. 4 years with Auburn, 4 different offensive coordinators, 5 years with the Red Skins and 4 different offensive coordinators. Alex Smith was a system quarterback who could and never will make it in the pros. They just don't produce good quality players at the U.
Blowing in... | 7:41 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008
the San Franscico wind.

Sounds like Alex's days as a 49er are over. He's just playing out the string.

He'll be better off going to a better team with a proven system, ala Steve Young.

Young lived through the ignomy of playing for Tampa, with no O line, no receivers, no running backs, and looking awful.

Ironically, he got his chance to shine when he joined the 49ers.

Alex is going to have to do just the opposite. Either he'll find a team with the right system for his talents after this season and go on to great success. Or, he'll end up being one of the biggest busts in NFL history, through no fault of his own.
Comments continue below
Mike Johnson Fallon NV | 7:54 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008
re: Tough Reality,

Alex Smith started 32 games in the NFL, Jason Campbell drafted the same year (he is entering his fourth year--he has not had five years with the Redskins), has started 20 games in the NFL.

Smith has completed 435 passes for 4679 yards and 19 TDs.
Campbell has completed 360 passes for 3997 yards and 22 TDs.

But, I am not sure of your point. Campbell has had a better line and better receivers. He didn't play at all his first year and had a chance to learn the system on the bench. Smith was thrown into the fire from the beginning. BTW, they produce quality players at the U, which pretty much invalidates your comment.

Smith has struggled. He was expected to be the starter, but O'Sullivan (who was the 2007 Offensive MVP in NFL Europe last year) surprised. O'Sullivan has yet to prove himself in the NFL (he has only 148 yards and 1 TD in the NFL). O'Sullivan is getting his chance to prove himself as well.
re: Tough Reality | 8:00 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008
"They don't produce quality players at the U."

FYI- John Beck isn't doing so hot either.

I can name at least one Ute who is playing pretty good in the NFL - Eric Weddle.
re: Tough Reality | 8:43 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008
and Steve Smith.
Gretzky | 8:52 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008
I would love to see Alex go to the Jets and get tutored by Favre but Ratliff is there. perhaps Alex can go to Green Bay. the fans are great there not like in san fran.
To: Tough | 9:00 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008
RE: Tough Reality
You’re so transparent it’s pitiful.

You sound like you know very little about football other than what you pick up from other people who act like they know football; and you’re a little bitter towards the Utes.

Look at Beck out of BYU. Or Eli Manning in his first few years with Giants.
You put a QB in with a poor O-line and very little weapons and it’s tough to look good. Add to that having to learn a new system every year & battle injuries; that’s a tough situation. Look at Steve Young, another successful college QB. He was in the NFL for years, with several teams before he finally had a situation where he could play with a talented team, before he finally found success in the pros.

Plus, if you read the article, McCloughlin thinks Alex is more talented than current starter O’Sullivan. O’Sullivan just happens to know the new offense better because he’s a veteran with previous experience with that type of Offensive system.

Smith just needs to get away from Nolan and find a better situation (team).

And you “Tough Reality” need to find some smarter friends.
Re: Tough | 9:09 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008
Did you watch Campbell's game last night? They don't let him throw the ball. He has a lot of talent, but he's not in a great position. That's a statement that fits Smith and Campbell.
re: Tough Reality | 9:10 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008
Bitter much?

Your comment on quality players at the U is laughable. Jordan Gross, Steve Smith, Eric Weddle, Chris Kemoeatu.....the list goes on and on. On the other hand, I'm having trouble thinking of a single BYU alum who's doing ANYTHING in the NFL besides hold a clipboard (a proud tradition started by legendary clipboard-holder Ty Detmer). And now I'll sit by and wait for one of you BYU shills to tell us how Reno Mahe is tearing up the league......
To both you guys... | 9:18 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008
It dosn't matter what Campbell does, he will be replaced in game 6 by Colt Brennan.
re: Tough Reality | 9:20 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008
It’s been said that it’s better to say nothing and be thought a fool, than to open your mouth and remove all doubt. You’ve removed all doubt.
Yeah but.... | 9:28 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008
Hey Tough Reality:

Jason Campbell looked terrible last night. Did you see the game or his stats?

It's tough having to pickup a new offense every year. Especially in the NFL. It's extremely fast. At least Campbell had the luxury of having a veteran to watch and learn from the first year and half before he was thrown in. And Campbell had a better head coach the first few years (Hale of Fame Coach GIBBS).

FYI- Beck lost his start too. Though Miami didn't want to give it to him in the first place.
Lance | 9:34 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008
Hopefully Smith can rebound like Steve Young and finish strong. Young had a horrible career in Tampa and didn't develope until he had better coaching and talent around him.
3 fumbles in 5 plays or TYing an NFL record for interceptions....Smith hasn't come close to that yet.
Not so Tough Reality | 9:36 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008
is that those checks for $9 Million dollars, THIS year alone, will continue to get cashed. ALex might end up being the Shawn Bradley of the NFL but that aint so bad.
AFL | 9:37 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008
Well there's always Arena Football. Maybe Smith can make it there since it's a lot easier. Won't be making nearly as much money however. He'll have to supplement that job by pumping Lenny Gomes' gas.
Quality Players | 9:40 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008
Luther Ellis
Kevin & Andre Dyson
The Brothers' Kemoeatu
Jordan Gross
Steve Smith
Jamal Anderson
Mike Anderson
Sione Pohua

Enjoy "Tough Reality"
Anonymous | 9:46 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008
maybe Utah hasn't produced the quantity of NFL players that other schools have, but Steve Smith, Jamal Anderson, Luther Ellis, Jordan Gross, Mike Anderson, Kevin Dyson & Roy Jefferson all come to mind as quality Ute players who have made their mark in the NFL. I'm sure there are others that could be named if anyone took the time to investigate.
Just Wondering | 9:47 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008
Outside of Weddle and I will give you Steve Smith because you missed him, is there anyone else?

Just Wondering
Smith is a bust | 9:56 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008
One of the worst #1 picks ever. He and Bogut in the same year. Still can't believe it.

Smith could still be a decent quarterback if he found the right team, but he was never going to be a steve young, joe montana type.

For those ripping on John Beck, he was on a much worse team and got less of a chance than Alex Smith so i wouldn't say anything. Not that he did much with the chance he got. Neither of them did.
tough reality | 10:00 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008
hahahahahahahaha. Steve Smith, Jamal Anderson? I'd say that Utah State has produced better players than that other team in recent years as well.
Re: Tough Reality | 10:08 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008
What is the pro-bowl wide reciever with the Panthers name? He's not quality so I can't remember. But I do remember the Dolphins quality QB John Beck. Can someone help with his name?
Utah NFL Stars | 10:21 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008
Steve Smith
Jordan Gross
Eric Weddle

That is just to name a few.

BYU-
no one really comes to mind

Gee-
Utah State even has Kevin Curtis and Chris Cooley

Come on you Cougar homers where are your NFL stars don't go knocking on the Utes if you can't back it up and John Beck is 3rd freaking string, he go beat out by a rookie for the back-up job come on!
Re: Tough Reality | 10:35 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008
Speaking of quality players out of the Y, I seem to remember a Mr Detmer. Since he went to BYU he's the best QB ever right?
doesn't look promising | 10:40 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008
The 49ers even brought in a bunch of other talent last season to help the team and they still couldn't get it done. The QB is key to making the offense produce. 5 wins in 2007 was all they got when Smith was surrounded by good enough talent. 49ers management was expecting to at least make the playoffs last season. No wonder they're going to give someone else a chance. I guess we'll have to hope that Ratliff makes us proud.
tdrwake | 10:41 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008
What about the offensive rookie of the year for the Broncos a few years back? Wasn't that a BYU running back? Luke Staley maybe? I know he had some sort of Utah ties and there is NO WAY that Utah could have produced a quality NFL running back.
it's the beard | 10:43 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008
I think he's doing poorly because of his beard. He should shave it off instead of trying to look like Bret Favre.
Matt A. | 10:50 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008
Relax, fellow Utah fans. "Tough Reality" was simply trying to incite response and it looks like his little scheme was more than successful. That's the only way to explain such ignorant comments.

I have to laugh at some of the Ute fans' comments as well. Many of the criticisms surrounding Alex's supporting cast are legitimate, but offensive line? How many of you can name one player on their line? Jonas Jennings and Joe Staley are considered two upper-echelon offensive linemen in the NFL. Sure, it takes all five to play well to build a cohesive unit, but I'd stick to the four offensive coordinators in four years, and hapless WRs theory.

When Alex came out I personally considered him a third to fifth-round pick. When I watched him play, I saw an incredibly accurate, intelligent passer who really knew how to avoid mistakes. Yet, I never saw NFL-superstar material. He'll probably land on his feet somewhere else, however, he'll probably never live up to his draft-pick status. It was a serious misjudgment of talent on the part of 49ers brass, in my opinion.
Yewts | 11:24 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008
I don't care how you cut it....Alex Smith is NO Steve Young! Ryan Leaf maybe, but no Steve Young! He will be back at Utah in 2010 announcing Yewt Football with Marcroft and Barberry!
Anonymous | 11:53 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008
All you BYU fans who think this somehow contributes to the case for BYU supremacy are living in ignorance.

His career was doomed from the moment the Niners drafted him. One of the worst teams in the league, worst offenses in the league, with a coaching staff in turmoil. And he's been injured half the time, also.

But I won't shed a tear for him, after how many millions he's already made.
superbowls | 12:18 p.m. Sept. 5, 2008
I hope that some day we produce a QB that can win a superbowl like byu has done. This is kind of depressing because we own the series with them and we've beaten them 4 of the last 6 years.
Smith needs new team | 12:39 p.m. Sept. 5, 2008
Alex Smith needs to play for a new team. He is too good to be holding a clipboard and the 49er offense doesn't fit Smith's skills.
I got it | 12:41 p.m. Sept. 5, 2008
here is the killer, NORM CHOW was a UTE baby.
We can't produce too many | 12:47 p.m. Sept. 5, 2008
wins, but we have the studs, not just as many.

GO AGGIES!
To: Matt A. | 1:08 p.m. Sept. 5, 2008
Joe Staley came in as a rookie last season; and Alex was injured last year. But yeah I agree the revolving Offense coaching is the bigger weakness.

I think the previous comments about the Offense were intended to be about the choices of weapons though.
Still waiting | 1:29 p.m. Sept. 5, 2008
For the Cougar trolls to give me some names of some current BYU players who are contributing? I can think of one. Please Cougar trolls, help me out. Name some players out of the professional football player factory in Provo.
NFL Cougars | 2:07 p.m. Sept. 5, 2008
COUGARS IN THE DRAFT Since 1990
PLAYER-YEAR-RND-TEAM
Bryan Kehl-2008-4-New York Giants
John Beck-2007-2-Miami Dolphins
Todd Watkins-2006-7-Arizona Cardinals
Brady Poppinga-2005-4-Green Bay Packers
Scott Young-2005-5-Philadelphia Eagles
Shaun Nua-2005-7-Pittsburgh Steelers
Colby Bockwoldt-2004-7-New Orleans Saints
Dustin Rykert-2003-6-Oakland Raiders
Spencer Nead-2003-7-New England Patriots
Doug Jolley-TE-2002-2-Oakland Raiders
Ryan Denney-DE-2002-2-Buffalo Bills
Brandon Doman-QB-2002-5-San Francisco 49ers
Luke Staley-RB-2002-7-Detroit Lions
Brett Keisel-DE-2002-7-Pittsburgh Steelers
Owen Pochman-K-2001-7-New England Patriots
Tevita Ofahengaue-TE-2001-7-Arizona Cardinals
Rob Morris-LB-2000-1/28-Indianapolis Colts
Byron Frisch-DL-2000-3-Tennessee Titans
Matt Johnson-OL-2000-5-Indianapolis Colts
John Tait-OL-1999-1/14-Kansas City Chiefs
Daren Yancey-DL-1999-6-Oakland Raiders
Joe Wong-OL-1999-7-Miami Dolphins
Eric Bateman-OL-1998-5-New York Jets
Dustin Johnson-FB-1998-6-New York Jets
Jason Andersen-OL-1998-7-New England Patriots
Itula Mili-TE-1997-6-Seattle Seahawks
Mike Ulufale-DL-1996-3-Dallas Cowboys
Evan Pilgrim-OL-1995-3-Chicago Bears
Tim Hanshaw-OL-1995-4-San Francisco 49ers
Travis Hall-DL-1995-6-Atlanta Falcons
Eli Herring-OL-1995-6-Los Angeles Raiders
John Walsh-QB-1995-7-Cincinnati Bengals
Derwin Gray-DB-1993-4-Indianapolis Colts
Ty Detmer-QB-1992-9-Green Bay Packers
Neal Fort-OT-1991-6-Los Angeles Rams
Brian Mitchell-DB-1991-7-Atlanta Falcons
Andy Katoa-LB-1991-9-San Diego Chargers
Chris Smith-TE-1991-11-Cincinnati Bengals
Mo Elewonibi-OL-1990-3-Washington Redskins
Re: Matt A. | 2:07 p.m. Sept. 5, 2008
Thanks for bringing your expertise to te table and putting this to bed.
More NFL Cougars | 2:09 p.m. Sept. 5, 2008
COUGARS IN THE DRAFT 1980s
PLAYER-YEAR-RND-TEAM
John Hunter-OL-1989-3-Minnesota Vikings
Rodney Rice-DB-1989-8-New England Patriots
Warren Wheat-OL-1989-8-Los Angeles Rams
Rodney Thomas-DB-1988-5-Miami Dolphins
David Futrell-NG-1988-12-New York Giants
Steve Kaufusi-DL-1988-12-Philadelphia Eagles
Shawn Knight-DT-1987-1/11-New Orleans Saints
Jason Buck-DE-1987-1/17-Cincinnati Bengals
Mark Bellini-WR-1987-7-Indianapolis Colts
Lakei Heimuli-RB-1987-9-Chicago Bears
Robbie Bosco-QB-1986-3-Green Bay Packers
Leon White-LB-1986-5-Cincinnati Bengals
Kurt Gouveia-LB-1986-8-Washington Redskins
C. Whittingham-LB-1986-9-Cincinnati Bengals
Vai Sikahema-RB-1986-10-St. Louis Cardinals
Glen Kozlowski-WR-1986-11-Chicago Bears
Jeff Sprowls-CB-1986-12-San Diego Chargers
Trevor Matich-C-1985-1/28-New England Patriots
Robert Anae-G-1985-3-New England Patriots
Kyle Morrell-DB-1985-4-Minnesota Vikings
Lee Johnson-P/K-1985-5-Houston Oilers
Louis Wong-OT-1985-5-St. Louis Cardinals
Jim Herrmann-DT-1985-7-Dallas Cowboys
Steve Young-QB-1984-1/11-LA Express (USFL)Tampa NFL
Todd Shell-LB-1984-1/26-San Francisco 49ers
Casey Tiumalu-RB-1984-14-LA Express (USFL)
Tom Holmoe-DB-1983-4-San Francisco 49ers
Chuck Ehin-DE-1983-11-San Diego Chargers
Jim McMahon-QB-1982-1/5-Chicago Bears
Dan Plater-WR-1982-4-Denver Broncos
Glen Titensor-DT-1981-3-Dallas Cowboys
Scott Phillips-RB-1981-4-Seattle Seahawks
Nick Eyre-OT-1981-4-Houston Oilers
Glenn Redd-LB-1981-4-New Orleans Saints
Lloyd Jones-WR-1981-8-New York Jets
Eric Lane-RB-1981-8-Seattle Seahawks
Marc Wilson-QB-1980-1/15-Oakland Raiders
Mat Mendenhall-DT-1980-2-Washington Redskins
Dare to Compare | 2:19 p.m. Sept. 5, 2008
COUGARS IN THE SUPER BOWL
SB      YEAR-PLAYER-POS-TEAM

IX      1975-Gordon Gravelle-T-Pittsburgh
X      1976-Gordon Gravelle-T-Pittsburgh
X      1976-Golden Richards-KR—Dallas
XII      1978-Golden Richards-WR-Dallas
XII      1978-Paul Howard-G-Denver
XIV      1980-Gordon Gravelle-T-L.A. Rams
XV      1981-Todd Christensen-TE-Oakl. Raiders
XV      1981-Marc Wilson-QB-Oakl. Raiders
XVI      1982-Bill Ring-RB-San Francisco
XVII      1983-Matt Mendenhall-DE-Washington
XVIII      1984-Todd Christensen-TE-L.A. Raiders
XVIII      1984-Marc Wilson-QB-L.A. Raiders
XIX      1985-Tom Holmoe-DB-San Francisco
XIX      1985-Bill Ring-RB-San Francisco
XIX      1985-Todd Shell-LB-San Francisco
XX      1986-Jim McMahon-QB-Chicago
XXI      1987-Bart Oates-C-NY Giants
XXII      1988-Kurt Gouveia-LB-Washington
XXIII      1989-Jason Buck-DE-Cincinnati
XXIII      1989-Lee Johnson-P-Cincinnati
XXIII      1989-Leon White-LB-Cincinnati
XXIII      1989-Tom Holmoe-DB-San Francisco
XXIII      1989-Steve Young-QB-San Francisco
XXIV      1990-Steve Young-QB-San Francisco
XXV      1991-Bart Oates-C-N.Y. Giants
XXVI      1992-Jason Buck-DE-Washington
XXVI      1992-Kurt Gouveia-LB-Washington
XXIX      1995-Steve Young-QB-San Francisco
XXIX      1995-Bart Oates-C-San Francisco
XXIX      1995-Jamal Willis-RB-San Francisco
XXIX      1995-Tim Hanshaw-G-San Francisco
XXXI      1997-Mike Holmgren-Coach-Green Bay
XXXI      1997-Jim McMahon-QB-Green Bay
XXXIII      1999-Travis Hall-DE-Atlanta
XXXV      2001-Brian Billick-Coach-Baltimore
XXXVI      2002-Setema Gali-DE-New England
XXXVII      2003-Doug Jolley-TE-Oakland
XXXIX      2005-Andy Reid-Coach-Philadelphia
XXXIX      2005-Chad Lewis-TE-Philadelphia
XXXIX      2005-Reno Mahe-RB-Philadelphia
XL      2006-Mike Holmgren-Coach-Seattle Seahawks
XL      2006-Itula Mili-TE-Seattle Seahawks
XL      2006-Chris Hoke-DT-Pittsburgh Steelers
XL      2006-Brett Keisel-DE-Pittsburgh Steelers
XL      2006-Shaun Nua (DNP)-DE-Pittsburgh Steelers
XLI      2007-Rob Morris-LB-Indianapolis Colts
XLI      2007-John Tait-OL-Chicago Bears
XLI      2007-Gabe Reid-TE-Chicago Bears
Re: Cougs in NFL | 2:21 p.m. Sept. 5, 2008
Wow...who taught you how to cut and paste lists like that??? That takes REAL talent!

Since you are so skilled in cutting an pasting from a website, see if you can find a website that shows players that actually play in the NFL. Lets see, Todd Watkins...drafted by the Cardinals and now is on the scout team for the Raiders. Not exactly a quality NFL player. You see the point. So scoot...see if you can find a website with that info...you know...the players who actually see the field.

One more funny tidbit...BYU's favorite QB is 3rd string at the Dolphins...hah. Utah's Ratliff is 2nd string at the Jets... who would've thought!!! Both won't play but I was always taught that 2nd string is better than 3rd string (wasn't Beck drafted in the 2nd round too???)
Re: Re: Matt A. | 2:23 p.m. Sept. 5, 2008
Thanks for resorting to sarcasm and mockery rather than providing any relevant opinion.
wow | 2:24 p.m. Sept. 5, 2008
there's someone with WAY too much time on their hands...I haven't heard of most of them
So where are the Utes? | 2:32 p.m. Sept. 5, 2008
How many Utes are currently in the NFL? For having a BCS team as recently as they have there don't seem to be too many in the NFL. Give it a rest!

Nice draft list, btw.
re: wow | 2:34 p.m. Sept. 5, 2008
"I haven't heard of most of them"

Then you're obviously a newbie who hasn't followed football for very long.
Funny Utes | 2:45 p.m. Sept. 5, 2008
John Beck has been in the NFL ONE year, on the worst team, and was thrown into the fire in the last couple of games just to see what he could do. Comparing Beck's stats to the #1 pick in the NFL draft who has been a starter in the league for THREE seasons is a joke.

High first round picks are supposed to be ready to contribute immediately, ala Vince Young. They aren't supposed to be bench players who are drafted as backups to be groomed to be starters someday, as Beck was.

As far a Ratliff, there's very little difference between 2nd string and 3rd string. NFL teams generally only carry 3 QB's on their roster, so every one of them is there either as insurance for the starter or to be groomed to be the future starter.
RE: Cougs in the NFL | 2:49 p.m. Sept. 5, 2008
First, I will correct you, then help build your case.

John Beck is officially listed at #2 for Miami per the NFL's webpage for the Dolphins. So BYU's "pride and joy" is in the same place as UTAH's, holding the clipboard on Sunday.

Now to build your case. I did some research and found the following from ESPN & the NFL:

Players in the NFL:
Utah: 17
BYU: 14
Utah St: 5

Starting Players in the NFL (#1 on depth chart):
Utah: 5
BYU: 3
Utah St: 2 (Would be 3, but Curtis is injured)

#2 or #3 on depth chart in the NFL:
Utah: 8
BYU: 8
Utah St: 2

So while Utah leads the way, all 3 teams have put quality out there. And the overall numbers between Utah and BYU are really quite similar. Just like the Unga vs. Mack on another thread.
Contributing | 2:59 p.m. Sept. 5, 2008
John Tait--10 years in the NFL--STARTED 123 games for Kansas City and Chicago.

Chad Lewis--NFL spokesman

many other coaches and players before and coming
Big D | 3:04 p.m. Sept. 5, 2008
Maybe then NFL list is copied and pasted but it is an impressive list. Let's see how many are on the Ute list. Not to mention have played in Super Bowls.
Duh | 3:24 p.m. Sept. 5, 2008
Incredible, people either have no job or no life. Who gives a darn. Alex didn't make it, so what. Neither did many other great College Stars. Not everyone is going to make it in the NFL.

Get a life cougar and ute fans.
Page: 1 2

Add your comment

Comments are monitored. Any comments found to be abusive, offensive, off-topic, misrepresentative, more than 200 words or containing URLs will not be posted.

Words Remaining

E-mail address: For internal use only. We may want to contact you to publish your comment (not your e-mail address) in the newspaper or for a separate story idea.

Alex Smith (Paul Sakuma, Associated Press)
Paul Sakuma, Associated Press
Alex Smith