THE QUESTIONS WITH Alex Smith
What was your welcome-to-the-NFL moment?
My second start, against the Redskins, I ran out on a bootleg. [Linebacker] LaVar Arrington came from the inside, and when I ducked, he tried to rip off my helmet. My cleats got stuck, and I ripped up my knee. That was a wake-up call: You're on a different level. I ended up missing five weeks.
Your most embarrassing moment?
The thing with my hands my first year. On away games the balls we used were fresh from the box, nothing like what we practiced with. I had some fumbles, balls coming out when I was throwing. All of a sudden I got questions about my hand size. Ridiculous.
Your favorite off-day activity?
Being competitive in anything: golf, bowling, Ping-Pong, pool.
If I weren't in the NFL, I'd ...
be going to law school, getting my J.D.
LAST WEEK
The 6'4", 210-pound Smith, 23, and the 49ers opened camp in Santa Clara.
THIS WEEK
Smith begins work with several new receivers, including former Seahawk Darrell Jackson.
PHOTO
PETER READ MILLER (SMITH PLAYING)
PHOTO
CARLO ALLEGRI/AP (SMITH HEAD SHOT)