San Francisco 49ers: Could Alex Smith and Reggie Bush Reunite in Ninerland?

Following the selection of Alabama running back Mark Ingram, New Orleans Saints back Reggie Bush tweeted, "It's been fun New Orleans."

The simple tweet may have been Bush's unofficial notice to Saints fans that he's out for good.

The drafting of Ingram may not have brought Bush's run as a Saint to an end, but his contract may have.

Bush, the second overall pick in 2006, has never been an every-down back in the league, but rather, more of a third down, change-of-pace back.

Bush is due $11.8 million for the 2011 season and, for a second-string running back, that's just far too much money.

Ingram's selection fits a dire need for the Saints, who were hampered by injury at the running back position last year—closing out with former Dallas and Seahawks cast-off Julius Jones.

With the possible or imminent release of Reggie Bush, suitors looking for a change of pace and a dual-threat at running back could be lining up, and one of those teams could well be the San Francisco 49ers.

Why?

For one, Bush played his college ball at the University of Southern California (USC). Furthermore, Bush is from California, born in Spring Valley.

More importantly, Reggie Bush's high school teammate just happens to be the quarterback of the 49ers.

That is, Alex Smith.

Alex Smith and Reggie Bush were high school teammates together at Helix High School in La Mesa, California, where in two seasons together, Smith and Bush won back-to-back state titles.

Bush got the recognition and ended up at USC, while Smith was only followed by two schools—Michigan State and Utah.

In the end, the paths of Smith and Bush may yet intersect as teammates once again.

The 49ers need a change-of-pace running back like Bush, one that's more dangerous catching balls out of the backfield.

On Thursday night, Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee reported that 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh is expected to meet with Alex Smith, who's been the 49ers' quarterback since he was drafted in 2005.

Reports are that the 49ers have a one-year offer on the table for Smith to return to San Francisco in 2011.

It may only be speculation, or perhaps just a fantasy, but it's a real possibility that Smith and Reggie Bush could reunite to play together once again—and it might just have 49ers fans seeing gold again.