June 26, 2010

Robert Przybylo

The Oklahoman

Former Santa Fe star Reggie Smith was just working out the kinks this year. Now he knows better what to expect and what to plan, said the San Francisco 49ers safety.

Smith was back at the old stompin’ grounds for a one-day camp Saturday, the ‘Rookie 31′ camp. Smith wasn’t so concerned about the turnout as much as he cared that all the kids had a good time. I can vouch for that as the little fellas enjoyed…and so did the big ones.

There were agility drills and races and a version of 7-on-7 stuff mixed in with the players giving inspiring speeches and fitness gurus teaching the importance of good health.

The player that probably caught the kids’ attention the most was T.J. Rushing, just talking about working hard and believing in yourself. It wasn’t so much what he said as the way he said it. The former Pauls Valley star has been living his dream with the Indianapolis Colts.

Smith spoke about seizing that opportunity. The hard work will eventually lead to you getting that chance to do something special. For him, that’s when Smith has been at his best.

It was a lot of work for Smith to get the camp together, but he said it’s definitely been worth it. He might pick another weekend as having it on the same weekend as Adrian Peterson, well, that’s tough competition.

It was fun stuff and Smith is pumped about this upcoming season. He said he feels comfortable with where he’s at now with the 49ers.

Look for much more with Smith in next Sunday’s paper and look for a video from the camp on NewsOK later this weekend.

The camp benefits the Britton Scholars Program, a volunteer-based program that provides help and mentorship opportunities to elementary and middle school students in the North Highland area of Oklahoma City.