Colin Kaepernick began the 2012 season sitting behind starting quarterback Alex Smith, learning his ways as a veteran of the league. By the end of the season, the tables were turned. Now, Kaepernick is the top guy in San Francisco and Smith was sent packing to Kansas City Chiefs to try another attempt at being a starting quarterback for a team. As the two prepare to faceoff for the first time, Kaepernick is remembering everything Smith taught him.
Smith and Kaepernick have spoken at some points over the offseason. The veteran had a long history with the 49ers and the split was certainly not easy. The team originally drafted him as the No. 1 pick out of Utah back in 2005, but never panned out as their starting quarterback. He was later benched for Kaepernick, but remained supportive. Kaepernick recognizes the impact Smith had on him.
"He did a lot for me, Alex was someone that really helped me pick up the playbook, understand what we were trying to get done and how we wanted to do it," Kaepernick said via the Associated Press. "I wouldn't be as far along as I am right now without him. Personally, he's a great guy, he's a class act. I have nothing bad to say about him. He's always helped me, he's always put the team first."
Given Smith's time with the team, he has made plenty of fans in the 49ers' locker room. Running back Frank Gore told the media that he is really rooting for Smith to perform well with the Chiefs. Tight end Vernon Davis admitted that he always thought Smith would stay with the team. Even after Kaepernick took over the starting job, Davis told media that he always assumed Smith would be given the job back at some point.
While most of the 49ers teammates are taking time before the rematch to praise their former quarterback and recognize him for his leadership and time as a good teammate, others are anxious to lay a few hits on him. Several members of the defensive unit are excited to take the time and hit Smith, something they did not get to do for so many years.
"There's a first time for everything," linebacker NaVorro Bowman said, smiling. "We never got a chance to hit him. This time we can. We're looking forward to it. I know Alex knows we're coming. It's football, man. He's on another team and we have to go out there and play our game."
Emotions will be high on Friday night as the two teams prepare to square off. Head coach Jim Harbaugh recognizes that this game is a bit more personal than others since Smith is now the quarterback for the opposing team. No, doubt Smith has a little added motivation when hitting the field.
