SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) - With the downtrodden San Francisco 49ers already destined for one of the top spots in the NFL draft order, their fans are buzzing at the possibility of a Helix High School reunion in their backfield.

But before anybody gets too excited about the prospect of quarterback Alex Smith reliving his San Diego prep years with probable No. 1 pick Reggie Bush, the man currently taking handoffs from Smith has something to say.

Kevan Barlow believes he and rookie Frank Gore are the future star running backs in San Francisco, not the Heisman Trophy winner.

Barlow, who leads the club with 581 yards rushing and three touchdowns, is battling through injuries and another round of losing in his fifth season with the 49ers. He's doubtful for Sunday's game at Jacksonville, thanks to a nagging knee injury - but he's far from discouraged about the future.

``I feel like this is my running back show,'' Barlow said. ``This is my offensive line, and that's how I look at it. I feel like I'm one good running back myself. I don't need to pat myself on the back or nothing, but I'm worrying about being one of the elite.''

Most college football observers believe Bush already is elite, and the 49ers have a shot at being bad enough to acquire him. San Francisco (2-11) and Houston (1-12) are the only remaining NFL teams with fewer than three victories - and they'll meet in the regular season finale Jan. 1 at Candlestick Park.

But if coach Mike Nolan is forced to decide what to do with the top pick for the second straight season, his choice carries an added complication: The 49ers' stick-thin roster arguably is thickest at running back.

Barlow, who's just 26, is signed through 2008 to a generous $20 million deal. Gore, the 49ers' third-round pick after an injury-plagued career at Miami, has shown several flashes of brilliance while rushing for 373 yards, averaging 4.8 per carry.

Barlow, who teamed up with Garrison Hearst in a tandem during his first three NFL seasons, also thinks third-stringer Maurice Hicks has a long-term NFL future.

That's why Barlow confines his thoughts about Bush to a spectator's appreciation for his highlight-reel skills.

``Right now, I'm not worried about Reggie at all,'' Barlow said. ``I'm just worried about getting myself ready, because I feel like I'm an elite guy in this league as well. ... I've never really seen him play. I've seen highlights. I know he's got great highlights. I think we're solid at running back with me and Frank and Mo, but that's not my decision.''

Bush must forgo his senior season of eligibility at USC to enter the draft, and is widely expected to do so. Nolan obviously can't comment on his draft desires - though he jokingly suggested it would be great if the 49ers could win enough game to move up to 13th in the draft, and then find that Bush still is available.

Smith, who wasn't recruited by many big-conference colleges because much of his high-school career was spent handing off to Bush, would be thrilled to see his good friend in garnet and gold - but he also thinks the Niners would be just fine with Barlow and Gore.

``I'm glad I don't have to make that decision,'' Smith said. ``I'm always planning to win our next game, so if that happens, this won't be an issue. It would be great to play with Reggie, but he's going to be a great NFL player wherever he goes.''

The 49ers, who have lost 11 of their last 12, must win once in their final three games to avoid their second straight 2-14 finish, which would match the worst consecutive seasons in franchise history in 1978-79.

San Francisco also could trade its top pick to avoid spending a large portion of its payroll on Smith and another high draft choice. If the 49ers end up No. 2, they're sure to get proposals from several teams interested in quarterback Matt Leinart, Bush's USC teammate.

``That's the kind of thing we'll deal with when the season ends,'' said Nolan, who hasn't spent any time scouting college players yet. ``We've got a few more pressing things going on right now.''Copyright © 2005 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. The information contained in the AP News report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press.