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NFL combine notes: QBs Campbell, Frye give 49ers options

By Matthew Barrows -- Bee Staff Writer

Published 2:15 am PST Saturday, February 26, 2005

INDIANAPOLIS - Jason Campbell and Charlie Frye may not be the top quarterbacks at the combine, but they became instant favorites of NFL scouts Friday when they announced they would fully participate in workouts this weekend.

"I can't see why anyone would want to come down here and not do the drills," said Frye of Akron. "It's what we're here for."

Though Cal's Aaron Rodgers and Utah's Alex Smith - who will take part in just some of the weekend workouts - are considered the draft's top passers, Frye or Campbell could be solid fall-back choices for the 49ers if they go with someone other than a quarterback with the No. 1 pick.

Campbell, tall and athletic, guided Auburn to an undefeated record in one of college football's toughest conferences. He's projected as a late first-or early second-round choice and would be an option for the 49ers with their second-round pick, the 33rd selection overall.

Frye is a scrapper in the mold of former 49ers quarterback Jeff Garcia. He caught the scouts' eye during Senior Bowl practices last month and eventually was named the MVP of the game.

Weighty matter - Last year at this time, scouts were concerned that at 230 pounds USC receiver Mike Williams wouldn't have the speed to excel in the pros.

Williams said he recently had been working out at 216 pounds. But when he stepped on the scale Friday, he hit almost 229 pounds. What happened?

"The lunches and breakfasts they have here are so good," he said with a laugh.

Williams will not work out for scouts this weekend but vowed to run "way below 4.5" seconds at his private workout March 10.

About the writer:

The Bee's Matthew Barrows can be reached at mbarrows@sacbee.com.

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