November 7, 2002

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS ACTIVATE
FORMER PALADIN JOHN KEITH

GREENVILLE -- The San Francisco 49ers have activated former Furman standout John Keith from their practice squad in preparation for Sunday's game against the Kansas City Chiefs, the squad announced today.

Keith, who sustained a torn anterior cruciate knee ligament in the 49ers first game of 2001 season, was selected by San Francisco in the fourth-round of 2000 draft.

A native of Newnan, Ga., he earned Southern Conference Defensive Player-of-the-Year and All-America honors as a senior in 1999 after helping Furman to a 9-3 record and share of the league crown. He finished his Furman career with 304 tackles and 11 interceptions, including a school record 99-yard return in a win over Chattanooga during the 1997 season.

Keith joins San Diego Chargers linebacker Orlando Ruff in giving Furman two players currently on active NFL rosters.