Tuesday, May 05, 2009
After playing sparingly for Baylor last season, quarterback Kirby Freeman is getting a shot at his NFL dream.
Freeman signed as a free agent with the San Francisco 49ers following the NFL draft, and attended the team’s minicamp Friday through Sunday in Santa Clara, Calif.
“The 49ers handed me a playbook and 12 hours later I was on the practice field,” Freeman said. “Welcome to the NFL. When you show up, you better be ready to go through some reps. We had a great time and we wore our tails out.”
After starting Baylor’s season opener against Wake Forest last season, Freeman was replaced by freshman Robert Griffin in the second quarter and was rarely heard from again. The fifth-year senior played in just three games for the Bears, hitting six of 13 passes for 49 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions.
Freeman transferred to Baylor last year after playing in 24 games in three seasons at Miami where he threw for 1,311 yards and 12 touchdowns with 16 interceptions. Despite an up and down college career, the 6-foot-3 Freeman has the height and arm strength to draw interest from the NFL.
“After the draft was over, my agent talked to the New York Jets but they had drafted (USC quarterback) Mark Sanchez,” Freeman said. “Then I thought I might go to the (Indianapolis) Colts. But my agent called me back and said San Francisco was my best bet.”
By signing with the 49ers, Freeman will get a chance to play under former Baylor All-American Mike Singletary, who became San Francisco’s head coach last season. Freeman said he met Singletary once during the last year at Baylor, and has already learned how intense the Hall of Fame linebacker is on the field.
“He reminds me a lot of (Baylor coach) Art Briles,” Freeman said. “He’s intense and wants the best out of you. Coach Singletary walks around the field with a notebook with things he had written down throughout his career. I’d love to get my hands on his notebook to see what’s in there. I could probably learn some things from it.”
San Francisco’s quarterback situation is far from settled with veterans Shaun Hill and Alex Smith returning, and fifth-round draft pick Nate Davis from Ball State and Freeman stepping into the mix. Freeman said he will return to Santa Clara for offseason workouts in two weeks before reporting to training camp in July.
“They’re probably going to take four quarterbacks to camp,” Freeman said. “It’s going to be tough. But this is something I’ve always wanted to do, and it’s a good opportunity.”
BEAR FACTS: The Washington Redskins have signed former Baylor receiver Trent Shelton, who caught 155 passes for 1,978 yards for the Bears from 2003-06.
jwerner@wacotrib.com
757-5716
Comments
By r.b
May 29, 2009 11:32 AM | Link to this
very cleAR THAT dAVID HAS never worn a jockey strap, but thinks he knows everything about the game, go Kirby you gonna make it
By Gilbert
May 7, 2009 10:05 PM | Link to this
I have been a big fan of Kirby since the first time I watched him play in Brownwood for the Lions. This guy has what it takes to be a winner. I think its great for him and the Freeman family. I have seen alot of great college quarter backs go into the NFL and fail. I have also seen players that did not do so good at college ball become NFL greats. Im pretty sure the 49ers scouts saw some skills or he would not be at camp. Its always the guys that could not make it in sports that want to talk trash about the guys that do make it. Dave! After all, he is from Texas so that makes him great already. GO KIRBY! Brownwood has your back.
By Britt Towery
May 6, 2009 1:18 PM | Link to this
I watched and enjoy Kirby Freeman play at Brownwood. He was outstanding but sorry he went to Miami. He was not there at a good time, but still won a bowl game. He has what it takes to be a pro and I think he will.
By david
May 5, 2009 8:13 PM | Link to this
How the hell this kid got a shot by NFL is a head scratcher to say the least..He was run out of Miami and was not renewed his scholarship after an abysmal year including a 1-14 82 yd and 3 int performance against NC St. Then he transfers to Baylor and is given the starting job because he knows the head coach and is benched in the first game for a freshman who keeps him on the bench for the rest of the year!! Of all the kids who didn't get signed in this years class why does this kid deserve a shot? All I can say is good luck..your going to need it
By Earl
May 5, 2009 12:27 PM | Link to this
Iıve seen a few impossible dreams come true. Kirby Freeman may. In any case, let's all wish him well.
Commenting is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. M-F, except on Tuesday when it's open until 9 p.m.
Post a comment
*HTML not allowed in comments. Your e-mail address is required.