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SOU star Yates signs with 49ers By RANDY HAMMERICKSEN TALENT -- Southern Oregon University running back Griff Yates signed a two-year free-agent contract with the NFL's San Francisco 49ers Sunday. Yates, 23, a three-year NAIA All-American who rushed for 4,757 yards and scored 57 touchdowns in four seasons for Southern Oregon, was not selected Sunday during the final four rounds of the NFL draft. He received what he called a substantial signing bonus from the 49ers. "I'm very excited," said Yates."I'm a pro football player now. I think I'll go out and buy a truck, or maybe a suburban. I don't know what I'll buy, yet." Yates was surrounded by a large group of family members and SOU football coach Jeff Olson in his Talent apartment as he signed the contract. He will receive the NFL minimum salary of $193,000, if he makes the 49ers' final 53-player roster. He will attend a series of 49ers' mini-camps at San Francisco's training site at Santa Clara. The first one starts April 27. Mike Williams of the 49ers' Player Personnel Department flew to Medford Sunday and watched Yates sign the contract. He says the organization, particularly general manager Bill Walsh, likes Yates' physical style of running and his competitive personality. Walsh twice watched Yates play against Menlo College. "He will have a battle on his hands, but we think he can do it," Williams said. "Bill (Walsh) saw him on film. He really liked his competitive personality. "He's a hard worker and we think he's somebody who could help us on special teams. With only 53 roster spots, everybody has to play special teams but the quarterbacks. We think Yates will also help us by example with his work ethic." San Francisco drafted two running backs, Paul Smith of Texas-El Paso and Rondell Mealey of Louisiana State. The Niners have veterans Charlie Garner and Garrison Hearst on contract as running backs. But with Hearst struggling with a leg injury, the team felt the need to load up on backs, Williams said. "Bill (Walsh) likes Yates' toughness and size," said Williams. "A lot of it comes down to speed. People tell you they run the 40 (40-yard dash) in 4.5 (seconds) and they run it in 4.8 of 4.9. "We think Griff is a 4.5 guy looking at film. Now, he will have to show it in mini-camp." Williams and Walsh talked by telephone during the afternoon. Then, Williams and Bill Heck, Yates' agent, talked. Before an agreement could be reached, the Seattle Seahawks called and offered Yates a contract. "Griff's agent (Heck) said to go ahead and sign with the 49ers," said Olson. A few minutes later, Yates signed the contract. "It was a pretty good feeling," said Yates. "This has been my dream. "Now, it's up to me to make the team," he said. "I'm planning to do that." A release from Southern Oregon's sports information office said the signing bonus was $3,500. "It feels pretty neat," said Yates. "I'm on cloud nine. I can't think of anything else to say. I want to go celebrate with my family." Yates is the first SOU player to receive an offer from the NFL since 1990 when linebacker Andy Katoa was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the ninth round. Today's Edition : News | Sports | Business | Weather | Tempo | Classifieds Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 2000, Medford, Oregon USA