subscribesubscriber servicescontact usabout ussite mapBuy a Classified
Sat, Nov 21 2009 

Resources

print this story   Print this story
  Post to del.icio.us

Published April 27, 2008 08:58 pm -

Draft’s second day brings wake-up call for OU's Smith


Associated Press

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Reggie Smith was startled awake when the NFL came calling. Chris Chamberlain didn’t know if he’d be getting a call at all.

Both players were chosen in the NFL draft Sunday as the number of players selected from Oklahoma colleges this year grew to five.

Smith, a defensive back from Oklahoma, was still in bed when the San Francisco 49ers phoned to let him know they’d drafted him with the 75th overall pick. It was only the 12th pick of the third round, which began at 9 a.m. Oklahoma time.

Chamberlain didn’t get his call until the seventh round and the 228th overall pick. The Tulsa linebacker had already been discussing a possible free-agent contract with the St. Louis Rams when the team decided to draft him instead.

“I knew there was a chance. Some teams had expressed interest in drafting me in the late rounds so I knew there was a chance. I thought I would most likely end up as a free agent and teams have already begun to call about being a free agent,” Chamberlain said. “Obviously I had my hopes up that something would still happen with the draft and it did, so I am really pleased.”

Oklahoma running back Allen Patrick was also a seventh-round pick, going at No. 240 to the Baltimore Ravens. He was the only Sooners senior to be drafted. Linebacker Curtis Lofton and Malcolm Kelly, who were both second-round picks Saturday, and Smith all entered the draft after their junior year.

“I felt it was the right decision. I talked to my parents, talked to my coach and got his opinion and got my dad’s help, and I just went with my heart,” Smith said. “I felt like this was the right time for me. I’ve been playing for three years, and I just thought this was a good time for me.”

Smith split time between cornerback and safety at Oklahoma, and he also returned kicks and briefly played some wide receiver. He scored three touchdowns in his Oklahoma career — one on a fumble, one on an interception and one on a punt return.

“I think I’m going to start as a corner and see if that works, and if not, I’ll move to safety. I’m happy either way,” said Smith, who missed the Fiesta Bowl with a toe injury. “Either one is fine with me. As long as I can help out.”

Chamberlain also entered Sunday unsure of what position he’d play in the pros. He played linebacker throughout his college career but had been scouted by some teams as a safety. Through preliminary talks with the Rams, he expected to stay at linebacker.

“That is the spot I have been playing in college for the past three or four years and that is what I am comfortable with. I think if I come in and work hard and listen to what the coaches tell me, I think I have a great future,” Chamberlain said.

Patrick became the third Oklahoma player drafted by the Ravens in the past four years, joining defensive lineman Dan Cody and wide receiver Mark Clayton.

“I have a lot of respect for Allen Patrick because of the adversity he fought through and a lot of appreciation for what he meant to our program,” Sooners coach Bob Stoops said. “His toughness and attitude set a tremendous example for others on our team to follow.

“As both a running back and a special teams player he made contributions, but it was the way that he approached the game that always impressed me the most. I think he’s got a great chance to make the team and we will be rooting for him to do just that.”



print this story    email this story   






autoconx
Premier Guide
Find a business

Walking Fingers
Maps, Menus, Store hours, Coupons, and more...
Premier Guide


Premier Guide

Premium Jobs

5409-Pawn Brokers
Pawn brokers
E Z Pawn is in search of experienced retail/customer service associates. Apply online today:
www.
...>MORE

5317-Green Country

GREEN COUNTRY
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES, INC.
Immediate Openings
Full-time
Children Services
...>MORE

5373


Gore Nursing Center
is now hiring for
Weekend RN
8 hr shifts
401K and vacation
Appl
...>MORE

5310-LPN

LPN
Part time Evening Shift CHARGE NURSE
Training Provided
RN
Weekend On Call
BONUS PAY...>MORE

5412-Counselors

COUNSELORS
NEEDED
Choices for Life Foster Care is looking for eager, organized, license eligible counsel
...>MORE

See all ads

Premium Extras

5416 1999 F150 Ford
1999 F150 Ford Pickup. Great shape. Been well taken care of $3500. 918-487-5307....>MORE

5415 30 young cows
30 young cows 1/2 black, 2-4 yrs.Spring calver's. Running with black bull. $875. 918-441-3630....>MORE

5439 horses
horses 5 black females Bert & Oklahoma Star. Red Roan ponies, wagon & harness, black Shetland Gelding, 3 yrs old, Bucksk...>MORE

5413 $11,700 new tires
$11,700 New tires, '06 V6 Explorer XLT, rear air, 3rd seat, sunroof, leather. Very nice! 918-441-1428....>MORE

5426 Jack Russell puppies
Jack Russell Puppies, for sale. Shots & wormed. $85 each. 918-348-1269...>MORE

See all ads


 

Community Newspaper Holdings, Inc.CNHI Classified Advertising NetworkCNHI News Service
Associated Press content © 2009. All rights reserved. AP content may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Our site is powered by Zope and our Internet Yellow Pages site is powered by PremierGuide.
Some parts of our site may require you to download the Flash Player Plugin.
View our Privacy Policy
Advertiser index