10 Questions for San Francisco 49ers' Quarterback Alex Smith

Andre Urtula Tameta by Senior Analyst Written on May 27, 2009

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SANTA CLARA, CA - MAY 01:  Quarterback Alex Smith #11 of the San Francisco 49ers talks with the media during the 49ers Minicamp at their training facilities on May 1, 2009 in Santa Clara, California.  (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)
(Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

After a well deserved vacation, I am back with some potentially great news.

As of a few days ago, I am in contact with Alex Smith's wife—Elizabeth Smith—to negotiate an actual interview day with him.

A good friend of mine from my university—Jennifer Nguyen—happens to be Elizabeth Smith's former Raiderette teammate.

I owe the Oakland Raiders big time for this one!

Anyways, the following slides are the questions I have ready to ask the former 2005 No. 1 overall pick.

Urban Meyer

GAINESVILLE, FL - NOVEMBER 24: Head coach Urban Meyer of the Florida Gators looks on the sidelines while taking on the Florida State Seminoles at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium November 24, 2007 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Marc Serota/Getty Images)

The following quote is taken from http://www.ninersnation.com/2008/7/19/574773/urban-meyer-on-49ers-qb-al.

"It's going to be interesting in San Francisco," Meyer said. "Alex is an extremely quick learner. However, he's a guy that, until he understands it, he is nonfunctional. He is a guy that -- I keep hearing how Brett Favre kind of makes something out of nothing and is a person that runs around to make a play -- Alex Smith is not that kind of player. Alex Smith is a person that, once he is taught, has to learn it all. He might struggle early, but once he gets it, he gets it."

Do you agree with Coach Urban Meyer's assessment of your abilities as a professional football player?

Mike McCarthy

DENVER - OCTOBER 29:  Head coach Mike McCarthy (R) of the Green Bay Packers and defensive coordinator Bob Sanders (L) direct the team against the Denver Broncos at Invesco Field at Mile High on October 29, 2007 in Denver, Colorado. The Packers defeated th

What aspects of the West Coast Offense did you learn from Mike McCarthy when he was offensive coordinator in 2005?

Norv Turner

PITTSBURGH - JANUARY 11:  Head coach Norv Turner of the San Diego Chargers coaches against the Pittsburgh Steelers during their AFC Divisional Playoff Game on January 11, 2009 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Steelers won 35-24.  (Photo by

Why do you think you had your best season as a pro under Norv Turner's tutelage as offensive coordinator in 2006?

Jim Hostler

KANSAS CITY, MO - OCTOBER 1:  Quarterback coach Jim Hostler of the San Francisco 49ers looks on against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on October 1, 2006 in Kansas City, Missouri. The Chiefs defeated the Niners 41-0.  (Photo by Doug Pensinger

Why do you think the offense was unable to move the ball when Jim Hostler was offensive coordinator in 2007?

Mike Martz

SAN FRANCISC0 - AUGUST 16:  Offensive coordinator Mike Martz of the San Francisco 49ers paces the sidelines against the Green Bay Packers during a preseason game on August 16, 2008 at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, California.  (Photo by Greg Trott/Ge

How did you benefit from having Mike Martz as offensive coordinator in 2008? Did you pick his brain during his one season in San Francisco?

Jimmy Raye

OAKLAND, CA - 2005:  Jimmy Raye of the Oakland Raiders poses for his 2005 NFL headshot at photo day in Oakland, California.  (Photo by Getty Images)

Current offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye has roots in Norv Turner's system.

Do you believe having Coach Raye run the offense brings some familiarity from the 2006 season when Turner was offensive coordinator?

Mike Nolan

SAN FRANCISCO - NOVEMBER 18:  Head coach Mike Nolan of the San Francisco 49ers talks with Patrick Willis #52 and Marques Douglas #94 during the game against the St. Louis Rams on November 18, 2007 at Monster Park in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Je

Did it bother you that former head coach Mike Nolan called you out on your toughness in 2007 when you were clearly injured?

Mike Singletary

SANTA CLARA, CA - MAY 01:  Head coach Mike Singletary of the San Francisco 49ers looks on during the 49ers Minicamp at their training facilities on May 1, 2009 in Santa Clara, California.  (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

What immediate changes have you noticed with Mike Singletary as head coach?

Michael Crabtree

SANTA CLARA, CA - MAY 01:  Michael Crabtree #15 of the San Francisco 49ers looks on during practice as quaterback Alex Smith #11 practices during the 49ers Minicamp at their training facilities on May 1, 2009 in Santa Clara, California. Crabtree was the 4

The addition of Texas Tech standout Michael Crabtree gives the 49ers a legitimate playmaking wide receiver. Since the 49ers now have depth at wide receiver, how do you think Crabtree's selection will open up the rest of the offense?

Shaun Hill

SANTA CLARA, CA - MAY 01:  Quarterbacks Alex Smith #11 and Shaun Hill #13 of the San Francisco 49ers look on during the 49ers Minicamp at their training facilities on May 1, 2009 in Santa Clara, California.  (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

Here's the tough one.

It's well documented that you and Shaun Hill are good friends, but who do you think is the better quarterback?

You, Alex Smith, or your buddy, Shaun Hill?

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written on May 27, 2009 Preview/Prediction

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