Former Fresno State standout Kenny Wiggins is in New Orleans for Super Bowl XLVII as a member of the San Francisco 49ers.

The offensive tackle from Elk Grove will not play Sunday against Baltimore because he's on the practice squad. But he is a rarity of sorts in that he has played for the 49ers and Ravens.

Wiggins was an All-Western Athletic Conference lineman who went undrafted after finishing his four-year career under former coach Pat Hill in 2010. He signed with the 49ers but was released, then signed with Baltimore and finished 2011 on the Ravens' practice squad only to be released again.

San Francisco came calling before this season began, and Wiggins was cut just before opening day for the second straight year. A day later, he was added to the 49ers' practice squad.

Wiggins knew the odds of moving up to the regular 53-man roster were against him since the 49ers have eight offensive players ahead of him, but he's still enjoying the ride.

The Bee caught up with him ahead of the big game.

You're at the Super Bowl against a team you've spent time with on the practice squad. Surreal right? Describe your feeling and also the difference between the Harbaugh brothers.

It's crazy to me. Battle between the brothers. I spent time on their practice squad and both coaches are totally different. Jim (Harbaugh) is more the in-your-face, hands-on coach and John (Harbaugh) is a defensive guy and is known for his defenses. Pretty blessed to be coached by some great coaches.

Did you talk to your former coach, Pat Hill, before the NFC championship game?

We talked before the game and he asked how everything is going. Trying to shoot the breeze. After the game, he was being a coach and saying good luck.

Talk about your journey to the 49ers. What has that been like?

I started last year at 49ers camp and then I was cut and joined the Ravens by Week 9. Got some reps and I was cut. When I wasn't on a team, I was playing catch by myself and working on my foot speed, then I was picked up by the 49ers before the season. I told myself I'm not going to let this opportunity slip away. It's a dream, but I know I have a long way to go.

Who was your team growing up?

49ers. My mom has a picture of me when I was 2 years old with 49ers stuff. It's a dream come true. Sometimes I have to pinch myself and make sure I'm not dreaming. Feel truly blessed I'm here. Going to continue to work hard.

You'll be reunited with your former teammate Lonyae Miller, who's on the Ravens' practice squad. Have you spoken to Miller lately?

I haven't talked to him in a while. We came in the same recruiting class. I'm really glad I'm going to get to see him. All of the former Bulldogs are hard workers, whether it's on the 53-man roster or on the practice squad.

Not many people know what players do on the practice squad. Can you share what you actually do?

We don't call it the practice squad. We call it the opportunity squad. We do everything a (player on the) 53-man roster does. It's more like to get yourself ready in case I get called up and play.

Lastly, you've seen a lot of Colin Kaepernick back to your Fresno State days and now you're on the same side. Are you surprised by what he's been able to do in leading the 49ers to the Super Bowl?

I've seen it from Day 1. I remember when he played against us in his first game (in 2007). He just ran over our defense (444 yards, five TDs) after we injured (Nevada's) starter. We had a big lead, but we won (49-41). He's the first guy in the locker room at 5:30 a.m. working out and trying to get better. I'm not surprised what he's been able to do.