NFL ONU's Jamal Robertson has shot at making 49ers

The former Ohio Northern University running back is hoping to survive the cut.
VINDICATOR STAFF REPORT
No matter what happens with Sunday's NFL roster cut-down deadline, former Ohio Northern University running back Jamal Robertson has already pulled off an upset.
Robertson, a two-time first-team all-American at Ohio Northern, is competing to be a 49ers backup to Garrison Hearst and Kevan Barlow as well as the team's main kick-return man.
The 25-year-old Dayton native has traveled a long way from Division III to the NFL.
With one final cut to be made, Robertson already has pulled off a surprise by staying with the team while former Heisman Trophy winner and free agent Rashaan Salaam, who was released by the 49ers last Sunday.
Robertson's view
Robertson said he wasn't frustrated when the team signed the former collegiate standout nor elated when he left camp.
"I had no reaction. I can only do what I can do to earn a spot on the team," Robertson said in a telephone interview from the 49ers training camp in Santa Clara, Calif. The 49ers are owned by John and Denise DeBartolo York of Canfield. "No matter who I'm competing against, I still have to work hard to improve."
The Niners' final preseason game was late Friday in San Diego against the Chargers. Coach Dennis Erickson's staff will cut the roster to 53 by Sunday.
For Robertson, it's been quite a journey to the NFL from Ada where he led the nation his senior year with 2,308 all-purpose yards.
Holds rushing record
Robertson also holds the Ohio Northern season rushing record with 1,664 yards.
"It's been a long road traveled," Robertson said, citing stops in the Canadian Football League and NFL Europe. "The difference is like day and night."
Two years ago, Robertson was a practice squad member for the Calgary Stampeders of the CFL.
After signing with the 49ers as a free agent in January 2002, the 5-foot-10, 210-pound Robertson was sent to Germany to play for the Rhein Fire in the 2002 NFL Europe season. He was selected as the league's offensive MVP after rushing for 792 yards on 151 carries. His league-high eight touchdowns included a 90-yard score.
Improvement
"At each level I've played at, I've improved, so playing at all those places has been a blessing," the graduate of Dayton Stebbins High said.
Last fall, Robertson returned 11 kicks for 242 yards in six 49ers games before a hamstring injury ended his season. His longest return was 42 yards.
Last week against the Saints, Robertson scored a 6-yard touchdown in the second quarter.
Robertson said his hardest adjustment to the NFL has been learning the team's West Coast offense.
"It's so different from what I've experienced on every other team," Robertson said.