Kris (Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada)

With both you and Aaron Rodgers being considered very equal in terms of skills what specifically do you think sets you above Aaron? Do you think Aaron has an advantage to being picked by the 49ers considerin his Bay area background?

Alex Smith (Utah QB)

  (1:50 PM)

I think there are two things -- first on the mental side of things I have the ability to check plays on the line and then, second on the athletic side of things, I have the ability to run the ball and really make plays happen on my feet.

Alex Smith (Utah QB)

  (1:50 PM)

I've heard that a lot about Aaron's Bay Area connection, but, I don't think that's a factor. I think that when it comes down to it, the 9ers will draft the best QB available.

Lance Barnett (Austin, Texas)

Do you feel that you're the best QB in college?

Alex Smith (Utah QB)

  (1:51 PM)

Absolutely. I think that when you look at the complete package and NFL potential, yes, I am the best in this draft.

Jose` (pittsburg CA)

If you were drafted no. 1 what you like to start the season or behind Rattay learning the system

Alex Smith (Utah QB)

  (1:52 PM)

I honestly would like to play right away and start getting better right away. I think that's the best way to learn.

Blake Stillman (Provo, Utah)

What is the most difficult part about leaving college football?

Alex Smith (Utah QB)

  (1:52 PM)

Just the camraderie. College football has so much pride in it and it's not the business that the NFL is.

Michael (Coral Gables, FL)

How will you address questions on your arm strength?

Alex Smith (Utah QB)

  (1:53 PM)

I'll dispell those questions on my workout next Wednesday.

mike(san jose,Ca)

I personally would love to have you at the number 1 pick for my 49ers, but how would you feel going to a team that finished 2-14, questionable offensive line, and no legit #1 receiver?

Alex Smith (Utah QB)

  (1:54 PM)

I would love to be that guy that they build a franchise around. That is a QBs responsibility, it excites me and I would look forward to leading the Niners to some wins!

St. Paul, MN

Alex, Utah alumn here. What was your motivating factor to leave Utah early? Was it coach Meyer's departure? Pending draft value? Or that you felt you had accomplished everything you could accomplish at an under-rated mid-major?

Alex Smith (Utah QB)

  (1:55 PM)

Definitely the latter. I just felt like going 12-0 this last year and heading to the Fiesta Bowl, I really feel like I accomplished so much and I'm ready for the next challenge.

Greg H. (Murray, Utah)

Alex, during your 3 years at the U you had drastic changes from one season to the next. It seems like the more pressure and exposure you had placed upon youself, the better you performed. Do you think that all the media attention and being known across the nation will increase your game even more as you enter the NFL?

Alex Smith (Utah QB)

  (1:56 PM)

I think I do thrive on this, I like pressure situations, that's why I play football, that's what I get out of it and I really look forward to playing on the big stage of the NFL.

Daniel (Dallas)

Alex, what would you say to critics who believe you were a product of Urban Meyer's sophisticated offesnsive system?

Alex Smith (Utah QB)

  (1:57 PM)

I would just say that although it may look 'gimmicky' our offense was indeed very sophisticated and I think playing in that system is exactly what gives me the edge as I move on to the next level.

Jake (Salt Lake City, UT)

Alex, we love you, miss you and wish you the best here on the hill. Thanks for the all memories. A lot has been said lately of San Fran's lack of willingness to bring in/hold out to quality players. How important is supporting personnel in running a successful offense?

Alex Smith (Utah QB)

  (1:59 PM)

First of all, supporting cast is very important. It's a team game you need players around you but I think San Fran is an established organization that is dedicated to winning and is prepared to get that supporting talent in place.

Ted, Akron, OH

There is a good possibility that if you are available at #3 you could be picked by my Cleveland Browns. Would you feel an added pressure playing in Cleveland after the fallout of our first QB pick Tim Couch?

Alex Smith (Utah QB)

  (1:59 PM)

I have actually thought about that before, but I don't worry about it, it actually makes me excited to go in there and make a name for myself.

Springville Utah

Alex, Dude have you yet just taken a deep breath and realized the magnitude of all this. From backup QB to projected #1 awesome!

Alex Smith (Utah QB)

  (2:00 PM)

Often times I have to pinch myself to realize how far I've come. I've still not quite grasped it, it's all very surreal to me.

Greg (boise, idaho)

Do you feel a little overlooked because you didn't play in one of the top confrences?

Alex Smith (Utah QB)

  (2:01 PM)

No, I think the majority of people in this game have realized that college football is much more equal than it used to be. With the success of Big Ben Roethlisberger out of the MAC, people and scouts realize the parity the game has now.

Clinton Twp. MI

the hook and latter play in fiesta bowl was awesome!(I was there!) How did it come about?

Alex Smith (Utah QB)

  (2:02 PM)

We knew it was the last game of the season so we were going to have fun with it and pull out all the stops. Fortunately, that play turned out for the best!

bill (DC)

What Pass Rusher are you most worried about facing next year

Alex Smith (Utah QB)

  (2:03 PM)

That's a good question. I guess Dwight Freeny just because I hear so much about him.

Estevan(UNM) (Albuquerque, NM)

Alex, I would just like to thank you for the years of notoriety you have brought to the Mountain West Conference and that great games against UNM. We had alot of fun playing against you! Good luck in the NFL!

Alex Smith (Utah QB)

  (2:04 PM)

Thank you! Hopefully the Mountain West and conferences just like it will start to get the respect we deserve!

Sean(Philadelphia, PA)

Alex, if you could throw to any WR who would it be, college or pros, and why?

Alex Smith (Utah QB)

  (2:05 PM)

My ultimate target? Umm, good question. I guess I'd have to say Marvin Harrison. He always seems to be there when you need him.

Italo (Millersville)

Do you think you need to put on more weight to handle the NFL grind?

Alex Smith (Utah QB)

  (2:05 PM)

I think I am ready to play in the NFL, but I think that as I mature over the next few years, I will continue to gain weight and get bigger.

Nate Chapa (Syracuse, NY)

Would you be disappointed if you werent drafted #1?

Alex Smith (Utah QB)

  (2:06 PM)

Absolutely not, I'm excited to play for any team that wants me. I am anxious to contribute to any team I can.

EJ (Columbus, OH)

When you receive your first NFL paycheck, other than a house and car, what will be the next big item you splurge on?

Alex Smith (Utah QB)

  (2:07 PM)

My family -- my parents and my siblings will get some gifts, pay off some debt.

Adam (Edmond)

What has this whole experience been like for you, and would you have stayed another year @ Utah had Urban Meyer not taken the Florida job?

Alex Smith (Utah QB)

  (2:08 PM)

The last few months of my life have been absolutely unreal. I still feel like I'm just a broke college student but I've been able to do so many things as a part of this draft process. It's all very exciting.

Cleveland Ohio

I am a very big fan of yours from Cleveland, Ohio. We would be very to have you here as a QB! My question is: What was the biggest change in your offense at Utah from the 5 - 6 record of 2002 and the records of 2003 & 2004 that took you guys to the next level. Thanks, Laura

Alex Smith (Utah QB)

  (2:09 PM)

I would say preparation. We worked so hard from SUnday - Friday. I think that explains the improvement.

Ben, Provo Utah

Alex, you were at a training complex with elite athletes from different sports and of different ages. From your training, which aspect do you think improved your stock the most?

Alex Smith (Utah QB)

  (2:10 PM)

I think it was a great place to get adjusted to the NFL lifestyle -- long days, etc. That was a great example of what I have to look forward to.

Sagar, Salt Lake City, Utah

Alex, Utah Football is not the same w/o you. Thank you for giving Utes an opportunity to be recognized nationally. I have a lot of personal stake in you going in as a #1 pick overall. Dont let us fans down. I will follow your career no matter where you go or at what position you go. You will always be an UTE first. Thanks, Sagar

Alex Smith (Utah QB)

  (2:11 PM)

Thanks so much to everybody who has followed me through my career at Utah -- without you guys, I wouldn't be anything. I really look forward to making you guys proud at the next level.

Alex Smith (Utah QB)

  (2:11 PM)

Thanks for all the questions today everybody!