Smith No. 1 among seven San Diegans taken in NFL Draft

04-24-2005

By Tom Shanahan, San Diego Hall of Champions

When San Francisco selected Utah quarterback Alex Smith of Helix High with the first pick of the draft, it marked the first time a San Diego high school product was taken as the No. 1 pick overall.

Smith, the 24th San Diegan taken in the first round, said the high pick gives him added motivation.

“I think it means a couple things; it is flattering to be regarded as the top pick among this class," Smith said. "Now my name is in line with all the number one picks in the past years. It really adds motivation to me; I think it has provided motivation to prove myself. I haven’t done anything yet in the NFL, now I’ve got to go out and prove that I am worthy of this decision.”

Smith (6-4, 212) was the first of four San Diego high school products and one of seven San Diegans in all to hear their names called in the draft.

The other three San Diego high school players were Washington offensive tackle Khalif Barnes (6-6, 305), Mount Miguel, a second-rounder by Jacksonville; Illinois center Duke Preston (6-5, 311), Mt. Carmel, a fourth-rounder by Buffalo; and Montana fullback Justin Green (5-11, 251), a fifth-rounder by Baltimore.

The three draft picks from San Diego State were linebacker Matt McCoy, a second-rounder by Philadelphia; linebacker Kirk Morrison, a third-rounder by Oakland; and free safety Marviel Underwood, a fourth-rounder by Green Bay.