SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- Did anyone ever think the San Francisco 49ers would keep Darryl Morris ahead of Nnamdi Asomugha?

Essentially, the rookie cornerback is the reason the 49ers cut Asomugha, who two years ago was considered one of the NFL's top cornerbacks. The team was bringing back cornerback Eric Wright from the non-football injury list this week. Originally, Morris looked like a prime candidate to be released.

The Texas State product was activated from the practice squad this season. He seemed like like a dime-a-dozen bottom-of-the-roster player. Then, he started making play after play on special teams.

Morris quickly went from roster fodder to a player who has cemented his role. With Morris' play demanding he be active, Asomugha's role with the team further diminished. Instead of keeping Asomugha as injury insurance, the 49ers opted to keep a player who was producing.

Morris admits his journey has been unexpected, but he is grateful.

“I've always been the underdog,” said Morris, who had to send out his own tape to try to lure a college scholarship. “Nothing in my football career has come easy. I know I had to work hard and I feel very blessed to be in this situation.”

If he keeps making plays, his place in San Francisco will only become more secure.