NFL locals notebook: Bengals rookie Derron Smith (Fresno State) makes debut

Like most aspiring professional football players, Derron Smith watched NFL games as a kid, hoping one day to wear one of those special uniforms and trot onto the field.

Smith’s wait ended Sunday.

The former Fresno State star safety made his debut against the Oakland Raiders in the Bengals’ 33-13 victory at O.co Coliseum – and the rookie was delighted to finally see his first action.

“From preseason to regular season, I found out that there’s a different speed,” he said.

Smith started on special teams on the Bengals’ kickoff coverage unit with fellow Fresno State alum Chris Carter.

While the opening kick went for a touchback, Smith said that as he ran downfield he knew exactly what he needed to do, starting with: Don’t make a mistake that would hurt the team.

“Read my keys, try to go down and make a play,” he said. “Do my job and make a play if I can.”

Smith didn’t record a tackle in the game but said he was happy to feel the energy of the game and get through his first-game jitters.

“There were some things I need to work on, especially at this level,” he said. “Go back and watch film in terms of special teams. It was just good to get it out the way.”

Smith was drafted in the sixth round after playing through his final Bulldogs season last fall with a hernia injury. He said he’s back at 100 percent and loving his time with the Bengals.

“It’s a different animal,” Smith said. “Some of the older guys say from regular season to playoffs … it’s a whole different animal.”

Other local players in Week 1

▪ Bengals linebacker Chris Carter (Fresno State) had three tackles and another one on special teams against the Raiders.

▪ Oakland quarterback Derek Carr (Fresno State) had to leave the game with a bruised right thumb. He completed 7 of 12 passes for 61 yards before leaving near the end of the first half. He practiced Wednesday and is expected to play Sunday against Baltimore.

▪ New England named center Ryan Wendell (Fresno State) as one of seven captains for the season. Wendell has been with the Patriots since 2008, when he was signed to the practice squad. He’s on New England’s injury list this week with an “illness.”

▪ Former Hoover High star Eric Kendricks of the Vikings made his NFL debut against the San Francisco 49ers, recording a tackle in Minnesota’s 20-3 loss.

▪ Steelers safety Robert Golden (Edison High) had two tackles in Pittsburgh’s 28-21 loss at New England.

▪ Packers wide receiver Davante Adams (Fresno State) had four receptions for 59 yards in Green Bay’s 31-23 victory at Chicago. Bears wide receiver Marquess Wilson (Tulare High) finished with two receptions for 59 yards.

▪ St. Louis offensive lineman Cody Wichmann (Fresno State) saw his first NFL action in the Rams’ 34-31 overtime victory against Seattle. Rams safety T.J. McDonald (Edison High) finished with five tackles and one pass deflection.

▪ New Orleans defensive tackle Tyeler Davison (Fresno State) made his debut though he didn’t record a tackle in the Saints’ 31-19 loss at Arizona.

▪ Denver tight end Virgil Green (Tulare High) was held without a catch but was targeted once in the Broncos’ 19-13 victory against Baltimore.

▪ Dallas fullback Tyler Clutts (Clovis High/Fresno State) didn’t record a stat but did block and helped the Cowboys to a 27-26 come-from-behind victory against the New York Giants.

▪ Philadelphia running back Ryan Mathews (Fresno State) had three carries for 4 yards and a touchdown and had three receptions for 24 yards as the Eagles fell to the Atlanta Falcons 26-24. Eagles wide receiver Seyi Ajirotutu (Fresno State) left Monday’s game with a head injury. Eagles linebacker Mychal Kendricks (Hoover High) finished with five tackles. Falcons offensive lineman Bryce Harris (Tulare High/Fresno State) was inactive.

This story was originally published September 16, 2015 at 6:04 PM with the headline "NFL locals notebook: Bengals rookie Derron Smith (Fresno State) makes debut."