Alphonso Smith Signed

Denver Broncos rookie cornerback Alphonso Smith warms up during drills at the team's mini camp at Broncos headquarters in Englewood, Colo., on Saturday, June 13, 2009. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Consider the potential of social media as a news-breaking service fulfilled. On the eve of the day Denver Broncos‘ rookies are expected to report to training camp, one of the team’s more controversial draft choices announced he has signed his contract – through his Facebook profile.

Alphonso Smith, cornerback drafted in the 2nd round, posted on his FB Wall, “I am officially apart of the Denver Broncos…deal finally done….time to play some football…….”

Smith’s selection by the Broncos was mired by many fans because of its steep price. The Broncos traded their 2010 first-round selection to draft Smith early in the second round. They still own the Chicago Bears‘ first-round choice they acquired through the Jay Cutler trade.

Smith is expected to compete for the starting nickelback position in training camp.

Rookies, quarterbacks, and injured vets report to training camp tomorrow. The Broncos still have five drafted players unsigned, including three of their four top draft picks.

Now it’s time for Smith to prove he was worth a first-rounder all along. I’ll be pulling for him as I scout the DB’s starting next week. UPDATE: Broncos press release after the jump.

BRONCOS SIGN 2009 NFL DRAFT CHOICE CB ALPHONSO SMITH

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — The Denver Broncos on Sunday signed cornerback Alphonso Smith, whom they selected in the second round (37th overall) of the 2009 NFL Draft from Wake Forest University. As per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Smith (5-foot-9, 190 pounds) was a two-time first-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference selection at Wake Forest whose 21 career interceptions ranked as the 10th most in NCAA history (all levels) and represented a conference record. He led the nation with 15 interceptions during his final two seasons with the Demon Deacons.

As a senior in 2008, Smith received numerous All-America honors and was one of five finalists for the Bronko Nagurski Award (nation’s best defensive player). He started all 13 games and tied for the FBS lead with seven interceptions in addition to recording a personal-best 20 pass breakups.

In 51 career games (40 starts) in four seasons at Wake Forest, Smith totaled 189 tackles (153 solo), 21 interceptions (254 yds.), nine sacks (59 yds.), 61 pass breakups and eight forced fumbles. He also returned 24 punts for 182 yards (7.6 avg.) with one score and 17 kickoffs for 352 yards (20.7 avg.) while adding five blocked punts.

Named runner-up for Florida’s Player of the Year award as a senior at Pahokee High School in Pahokee, Fla., Smith was born on Oct. 20, 1985.