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.

Feb 21, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Texas A

The NFL Draft is set for April 25 at 5 p.m. pacific standard time, however the telling story we are all anticipating is the facial expressions, emotions, and adrenaline these young men will face as they turn their life long dreams into realities. We all remember TE Vernon Davis weeping in the green room as he heard his name called, as that defining moment will always be embedded in our heads. So who is this year’s Vernon Davis? With so many prospects either watching from home or attending the festivities in New York’s famed Radio City Music Hall, it will be fun to watch their reactions. So without further ado, here is a list of the prospects that will be in attendance:

• Barkevious Mingo, Defensive End/Outside Linebacker, LSU
• Bjoern Werner, Defensive End, Florida State
• Chance Warmack, Guard, Alabama
• Cordarrelle Patterson, Wide Receiver, Tennessee
• Dee Milliner, Cornerback, Alabama
• DJ Fluker, Offensive Tackle, Alabama
• EJ Manuel, Quarterback, Florida State
• Eric Fisher, Offensive Tackle, Central Michigan
• Ezekial Ansah, Defensive End, BYU
• Geno Smith, Quarterback, West Virginia
• Jonathan Cooper, Guard, North Carolina
• Kenny Vaccaro, Safety, Texas
• Lane Johnson, Offensive Tackle, Oklahoma
• Luke Joeckel, Offensive Tackle, Texas A&M
• Margus Hunt, Defensive End, SMU
• Menelik Watson, Offensive Tackle, Florida State
• Sharrif Floyd, Defensive Tackle, Florida
• Tavon Austin, Wide Receiver, West Virginia
• Xavier Rhodes, Cornerback, Florida State

Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

It’s Superbowl Sunday, a national holiday, and a day that will be remembered by all Niner fans. Today marks the day we capture that elusive 6^th Championship. Today marks the day guys like Frank Gore and Patrick Willis have been waiting for their entire career.

This game won’t be easy, Baltimore has proved they are a talented team that can beat the best. Since Coach Jim Harbaugh has come into the league there is only one team he has lost 2 twice, that would last year champions, the New York Giants. A loss on Superbowl Sunday would put the Baltimore Ravens in that exclusive club.

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