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.

Jan 20, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) catches a pass ruled out of bounds against the Atlanta Falcons during the second quarter in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

With 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree being falsely accused of sexual assault, it should come as a warning to the rest of his teammates to be wary. More often than not, these high-profiled athletes on the field, turn to vulnerable targets off the field. The predator becomes the prey. Knowing this, the NFL installed a program in 1997, known as the rookie symposium.

The rookie symposium is a workshop aimed at preparing these high-profile celebrities for the real world. From social responsibility to educational life skills, this program is specifically tailored to the needs of the athletes, on how to conduct themselves. Unfortunately for Crabtree, he was unable to dodge the false allegations, and as a result, his reputation was temporarily compromised.

As the truth unfolds, Crabtree can now turn his focus on the Super Bowl. However, despite being falsely accused, this should act as a wake up call for the rest of his teammates, especially as they head to New Orleans.

New Orleans most commonly known as, “The Big Easy”, or “NOLA”, is your typical party town. The birthplace of Jazz and Mardi Gras festivities, it provides all the perks the night life has to offer. A true tourist attraction, in it’s purest form.

So what do the 49ers need to do to stay out of trouble? By keeping their eye on the prize.

Jan 20, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Randy Moss (84) runs against Atlanta Falcons free safety Thomas DeCoud (28) during the third quarter of the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

The 49ers need to remember, all the hard work during the off-season, regular season, and playoffs is what made this trip possible. The blood, sweat, and tears throughout the year is what made this Super Bowl run a reality, and to lose focus now would be devastating. They will need veteran leadership from Randy Moss, Jonathan Goodwin, and David Akers to step-up and be the role-models of the do’s and dont’s during the next couple of weeks, as they have all been here before.

I’m a firm believer in enjoying the journey but also realizing the importance of what’s at stake. And you can bet your house that Randy Moss feels the same way. The Future Hall of Famer and arguably the best deep-threat to ever play the game, will have his eyes, heart, and soul set on the Lombardi trophy. It is the main reason why he came out of retirement in the first place. He has the records, accolades, and fame; all that’s left is that Super Bowl ring.

With plenty of down time leading up to the Super Bowl, it will be fun to see how both teams handle the clubs, night life, and temptations.

49ers LB Patrick Willis 52 photo from articles.sfgate.com

We’ve reached the mid way point of the season so it’s time to hand out the first annual Hamm’s 49ers Pigskin Mid Year Awards .  The 49ers stand at 7-1, have won all types of games, from the blowout vs Tampa Bay to the comebacks in Philadelphia and Detroit.  Here are the players most responsible and why, time to hand out my 49er mid season awards.

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