Feb 3, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) scrambles from San Francisco 49ers defensive end Ray McDonald (91) during the first quarter in Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports

We all hear about the San Francisco 49ers big name stars such as, QB Colin Kaepernick, TE Vernon Davis and LB Patrick Willis, and the great games they play week in and week out. However, this is a team sport, and without the “other players” they would not be in the position they sometimes find themselves in. I am not trying to take away anything from the stars, as they clearly deserve the praise, however it is the “other players” that often make their big play possible. I have identified three players who I feel deserve some love, despite their unpopularity in the celebrity circle. These players often make plays that do not go unnoticed by the coaching staff but rather the fans and media. So without further ado, here is my list of the top three players that have made a significant impact thus far.

December 4, 2011; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers linebacker Aldon Smith (99) walks on the field next to long snapper Brian Jennings (86) after the 49ers defeated the St. Louis Rams 26-20 at Candlestick Park. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

1. Brian Jennings- The 14-year veteran has quietly become the 49ers best long snapper of All-Time. And although that may not be saying much, he is by far the best long snapper in the game ever since he stepped foot in the NFL 14 years ago. He is darn near perfect on every single snap, including practice snaps. I should know, I watch him during every game, standing 8 feet away from him. The long snapper position is greatly undervalued and the Forever Faithful should consider themselves very fortunate to have Jennings services.

Feb 3, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; San Francisco 49ers center Jonathan Goodwin (59) prepares to snap the ball against the Baltimore Ravens in Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

2. Jonathan Goodwin- Ever since he became a 49er, Goodwin has been a rock. He is responsible for making line calls and sometimes audibles. If Goodwin sees something he will quickly point it out. He is the man responsible for calling out blocking assignments which helps open holes for Kaep, RB Frank Gore, RB Kendall Hunter, and RB LaMichael James. A former Pro Bowler, Goodwin is smart, reliable, and durable.

Feb 3, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive end Ray McDonald (91) celebrates sacking Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) during the first quarter in Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

3. Ray McDonald- The “other” defensive end opposite of DE Justin Smith, McDonald has been extremely productive. Mostly known to stop the run, McDonald does an exceptional job filling his gaps “gap integrity” while allowing OLB Ahmad Brooks to make plays. He is not the best pass rusher, but does not need to be with OLB Aldon Smith and Brooks coming off the edge. A defensive end that earns his paycheck on every down, McDonald’s non-stop motor wears lineman down.

Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The loneliest players on any NFL team come from the special teams and are usually the placekicker and punter. However, a position the gets overlooked the most, but is essential to the specials teams, is the long snapper. For the San Francisco 49ers, Brian Jennings has held the title of long snapper for the past 13^th seasons making him the longest tenured Niner on the Super Bowl roster.

Jennings has been a part of the good, the bad and the good again since joining the 49ers in 2000. He is the only player currently on the 49ers roster to have played for Steve Mariucci and he endured through the coaching fiascos of Dennis Erickson, Mike Nolan and Mike Singletary. Before the Jim Harbaugh era, he experienced the last time the 49ers finished with back-to-back winning seasons and made the playoffs.

The importance of having a good long snapper can mean the difference between a win and a loss. Before last year’s playoff win over the New Orleans Saints, Jennings was on the 49ers team that last won a playoff game. In the 2002 Wild Card playoff game against the New York Giants, which is equally remembered by Niner fans for the 25-point comeback and for the way it ended, the importance of a long snapper was witnessed by Jennings.

After the 49ers went up 39-38, the Giants drove down the field and had one last chance to win the game with a 41-yard field goal attempt. However, Giants long snapper Trey Junkin, who was signed out of retirement less than a week before the playoff game, sent the snap wide left. The bad snap threw off the timing of Matt Bryant’s field goal which resulted in one the wildest finishes to game in NFL history. (Click here to watch recap of the game. The botched snap is at the 1:55 minute mark.)

Junkin on the botched snap:

For 19 years, I tried to be invisible in my profession. Once I put my hands on that ball that day, that (expletive) snap was my fault. I think about it every day. It still jolts me from sleep.

A recent example of the importance of a long snapper was early this season at the season opener for the Oakland Raiders. They lost their regular long snapper midgame and had an unknown backup linebacker, Travis Goethel, takeover with disastrous results. Goethel, who had never been a long snapper at the NFL level, rolled and bounced two snaps on punts on Monday Night Football. The Raiders lost 22-14.

If you think about, Jennings was a steal in the 2000 draft after the 49ers selected him in the seventh round (230^th overall).  He has been a consistent presence on special teams and is a two-time Pro Bowler (2003, 2011). His name does not come up often and that is a good thing. Because when long snappers get attention, it is usually the bad kind.

Jennings is so dedicated to his craft that he runs a camp called Jennings 1-4-1 that teaches the art of being a long snapper. The name of the camp is based on his philosophy, which is one-for-one. Meaning, focus on the next snap and nothing else.

Being the longest tenured Niner on the roster, Jennings is one of 48 players who have spent 10 or more years in San Francisco. One difference is most of those players on the list have a Super Bowl ring. Jennings is hoping to join the group by getting his first Super Bowl ring on Sunday.