[h5]April 30, 2009[/h5]
Rookies arrive today
The 49ers' draft class has arrived in Santa Clara. Their itinerary includes a physical, a tour of the facilities, a chat with coach Mike Singletary, a rookie dinner and, most importantly, their first media grilling. We spoke to a lot of the players over the phone after they were drafted, but I'll be posting any interesting comments/observations, etc. as the afternoon proceeds. One of the players we haven't spoken with is Ricky Jean-Francois, heretofore RJF. I hear he's a good quote. We shall see ...
First up was
Nate Davis, who reiterated that he didn't think he would have an issue picking up the 49ers playbook. Davis said he had a problem reading and writing. The playbook is mostly Xs and Os. "I'm a very visual learner. Reading the playbook -- there's a lot of pictures, so ..." Davis said it took a half a year to pick up the playbook at Ball State but probably a year and a half to
really learn it. He said he ran a digit-system offense in high school but not college. Asked to compare himself to an NFL player, Davis aimed high. He likened himself to Donovan McNabb, who, if memory serves, didn't have the highest Wonderlic score in the world, either.
Next was running back
Glen Coffee, who said
he preferred to play in the NFL at around 218-220 pounds. "They seem to be ok with it," the 209-pound Coffee said of the 49ers coaches. "I feel it will complement my running style." What style is that? "Hard-nosed, one-step, one-cut runner. ... I don't like negative plays." Perfect. Neither do your coaches.
Michael Crabtree also stepped behind the microphone. Like the other rookies, Crabtree had just returned from a physical, and he joked that it felt like he had had 35 physicals in the last couple of weeks. The 49ers also gave him a physical when he visited prior to the draft. The most recent physical, Crabtree said, will help trainers set a timetable for when he can return to the field. The receiver will be limited to mental reps at this weekend's rookie minicamp. The fashion-minded Crabtree was decked out in Air Jordan shoes, Air Jordan shorts and Air Jordan warm-up jacket. I'm sure Reebok is drafting a strongly worded letter in response. ... There's no debating that Crabtree had excellent hands at Texas Tech. But they're not particularly big mitts.
According to NFL.com, Crabtree's hands measure 9 1/4 inches, which means they're smaller than Alex Smith's.
After Crabtree was linebacker
Scott McKillop. What a diva! Just kidding -- McKillop is about as down to earth as they come. He's definitely not physically imposing. The 49ers are wondering if he has the toughness to play the "Ted" linebacker position. The coaches will be happy to know that McKillop already took a sneak peek at what the Ted and "Mike" linebackers do in the San Francisco system, and he plans on starting a cramming session when he gets to the hotel tonight. McCkillop also seemed smitten with Patrick Willis, whom he remembers watching when WIllis was playing with that club on his hand at Ole Miss. In a perfect world, McKillop will be playing alongside Willis for the next decade or so. (Once Takeo Spikes moves on). "I'd be lying if I said I didn't want to meet Patrick WIllis," McKillop said. "I'm pretty excited about that."
To give you some insight into tight end
Bear Pascoe, I'll describe how he began his interview. First he shook hands (mine still hurts) with each of the beatwriters. Then he set aside the hat and sunglasses he was wearning and the toothpick he was gnawing on before proceding. In other words, Pascoe is truly old school. You also could describe Pascoe as a rule changer. During his college career, he blocked six kicks, three of them when the player behind him gave him a boost. Pascoe estimated the assistance gave him an extra 10 inches or so on his vertical jump. The NCAA has since prohibited that practice. Pascoe said he has already spoken with Mike Singletary and the coach has said he'll make his mark this year as a blocking tight end.
Now RJF ... Wow. Someone else already has written this but I will triple underscore it: I can't wait for the first time Vernon Davis has to block
Ricky Jean-Francois. Francois today described himself as someone who speaks his mind -- in the interview room, in the locker room, on the field. "If there's something that needs to be heard, I'm not going to bite my tongue. I'm a straight-forward person," Jean-Francois said. Having said that, Jean-Francois admits that that trait has rubbed people the wrong way in the past. It was also topic No. 1 when he was conducting pre-draft interviews with teams, and he said that his reputation is what sunk his draft status
I asked him if he likes to get under his opponent's skin on the field.
"I got to. I love doing that on the field. I like to get under the skin, even if it's the opponent's team's coaches. If I can get close to the sideline, you're going to hear my mouth close to the sideline. It happened on and off the field. But now, coming to another level, I have to learn how to control that. I've got to learn how to change certain things about myself."
Asked if he feels he has something to prove to the teams that passed over him on draft day, RJF said, "I've got a lot to prove ... teams passing me by, I've got a lot to prove. One thing I want to prove is all the rumors that were out on blog sites that some people told some NFL coaches ... about my personality. The first thing I want to prove is my personality. Plus, when I need to talk and when I don't need to talk. When I need to sit down and when I need to listen straight forward and learn how to take advice from veterans, learn how to take advice from coaches, position coaches, trainers, anything."
Rounding out the interviews was RJF's LSU teammate
Curtis Taylor, who said he didn't hear much from Jean-Francois on the field. "I'm in back of him, so I really don't know what he said ... He's a good guy, though," Taylor said. Taylor is a big safety with long arms, and I wonder if the 49ers see him as a strong safety. Taylor played free safety for the Tigers, but he said the safety spots were interchangeable as they are with the 49ers. Taylor seemed like a nice, personable guy. Like all the other picks, he's also maddeningly young (or maybe I'm getting maddeningly old). Asked about the greatest safety of all, Ronnie Lott, Taylor admitted he didn't know much: "I've seen him on ESPN Classic," said. "... I've heard a lot of stories about him." Kids these days ...
-- Matt Barrows
[h2][/h2]
[h2]49ERS[/h2] [h1]Niners sign former Chargers linebacker Harris[/h1] [h3]San Francisco also signs 12 undrafted rookie free agents[/h3]
SANTA CLARA - The San Francisco 49ers have
signed linebacker Marques Harris to a one-year contract.
Harris spent his first four seasons with San Diego before signing with San Francisco on Thursday.
He played in 56 games for the Chargers, getting eight sacks, four fumble recoveries and forcing three fumbles.
The Niners also signed 12 undrafted rookie free agents before the start of minicamp Friday.
The team signed Ohio State offensive lineman Alex Boone, Bowling Green linebacker Diyral Biggs, Gardner-Webb receiver Dobson Collins, Stanford defensive lineman Pannel Egboh, Baylor quarterback Kirby Freeman, Wyoming guard Kyle Howard, South Florida offensive lineman Matthew Huners, Notre Dame cornerback Terrail Lambert, East Carolina defensive end Khalif Mitchell, Purdue running back Kory Sheets, South Carolina cornerback Carlos Thomas, and Georgia Tech cornerback Jahi Word-Daniels.
Player Bios:
[h2]49ers formally announce signings of undrafted free agents[/h2]
Posted by
Dan Brown on April 30th, 2009 at 9:57 pm | Categorized as
Uncategorized
At long last, this is the official list of the undrafted free agents who have signed with the 49ers …
2009 Undrafted Free Agents
(full bios below)
OT Alex Boone, Ohio State
LB Diyral Biggs, Bowling Green
WR Dobson Collins, Gardner-Webb
DE Pannel Egboh, Stanford
QB Kirby Freeman, Baylor
G Kyle Howard, Wyoming
G/C Matthew Huners, South Florida
CB Terrail Lambert, Notre Dame
DE Khalif Mitchell, East Carolina
RB Kory Sheets, Purdue
CB Carlos Thomas, South Carolina
CB Jahi Word-Daniels, Georgia Tech
And remember - you heard it here last. I spent the day fighting with my laptop (the laptop won), but now I'm back at the home office.
The 49ers' media relations staff also provided capsules, so I'm passing them along here. They were written by the team, not me:
Undrafted Free Agent Bios
ALEX BOONE
Tackle
Height: 6-7
Weight: 328
College: Ohio State
A two-time All-Big 10 selection during his four-year career at Ohio State, played in 46 games (35 starts) since his freshman campaign in 2005. Started 22 games at LT for the Buckeyes, earning All-America honors as a senior. A two-time All-Ohio selection, was a three-year starter at St. Edward (OH) HS. Also competed in shot and discus and played basketball for a year. His uncle, Ed, played football at Penn State. Enjoys hunting and playing golf. Born 05/04/87 in Lakewood, OH.
DIYRAL BRIGGS
Linebacker
Height: 6-4
Weight: 230
College: Bowling Green
A two-time All-MAC selection (2007-0
and MAC Player of the Year (2006), played in 47 games (27 starts) and finished his career with 221 tackles, 36 TFLs, 26 sacks, 5 FR, 4 PD and 1 FF. In 2008, led the MAC in sacks (9.5) and recorded 60 tackles, 13.5 TFLs, 1 PD, 1 FF and 1 FR. In 2007, registered 54 tackles (15 solo), 7.0 TFLs, 5.0 sacks and 2 PD. A two-time all-league choice, played at Mt. Healthy (OH) HS, where he tallied 16 career sacks on defense and 12 TDs on offense as the team's captain. Also lettered in basketball, averaging 15 pts. per game his senior season. Majored in sports management. Born 10/31/85 in Mt. Healthy, OH.
DOBSON COLLINS
Wide Receiver
Height: 6-2
Weight: 178
College: Gardner-Webb
A two-time All-Big South selection, played in 42 games (22 starts) and totaled 143 receptions for 1,745 yds. and 14 TDs. In 2008, tallied 76 receptions for 937 yds. and 10 TDs, while contributing in the return game with 14 punt returns for 136 yds. Amassed 51 receptions for 649 yds. and 3 TDs, as junior. Also competed in track and field, holding the school record in the 55, 60 and 110 meter hurdles. Ran the 100-meter dash in 10.7 seconds. Attended Stone Mountain (GA) HS, where he totaled 21 receptions for 332 yds. and 2 TDs during his senior season. Born 7/12/87 in Stone Mountain, GA.
PANNEL EGBOH
Defensive End
Height: 6-6
Weight: 276
College: Stanford
A three-year starter, played 40 games (35 starts) and totaled 140 tackles, 25.0 TFLs, 10 sacks, 3 PD, 3 FF and 3 FR. Recorded 31 tackles, 3.5 TFLs, 1.5 sacks and a FR, as a senior. Had his best season in 2007, registering 49 tackles, 6 sacks, 3 FF and 2 FR. Played his first season of football as a senior at North Mesquite (TX) HS, finishing with 54 tackles, 4.0 sacks, 3 FR and 3 blocked field goals on his way to All-Southwest team honors. Played basketball for two years and earned all-state academic honors. Earned a degree in management science and engineering. Born 03/23/86 in Mesquite, TX.
KIRBY FREEMAN
Quarterback
Height: 6-3
Weight: 210
College: Baylor
Transferred to Baylor after playing three years for the Miami Hurricanes. In his 27-game career (8 starts), passed for 1,360 yds. and 13 TDs, completing 46.7 percent of attempts. In his senior season with the Bears, played in 3 games (1 start) and threw for 49 yds. and 1 TD on 6 of 13 passing. In 2007, played 7 games (3 starts), completing 18 of 58 passes for 256 yards with 3 TDs. As a senior, at Brownwood (TX) HS, passed for 1,454 yds. and 10 TDs, gaining 956 rushing yds. for 10 TDs. Earned his degree in sports administration at Miami (FL), graduating in his redshirt junior year before leaving for Baylor. Majored in sports pedagogy. Born 03/28/85 in Abilene, TX.
KYLE HOWARD
Guard
Height: 6-7
Weight: 312
College: Wyoming
A three-year starter, played in 43 games (40 starts). In 2008, started all 13 games, 12 at RG and 1 at RT. In 2007, shifted over to RT from LG, starting all 12 games. Earned all-conference, all-region and all-city honors at Coronado (CO) HS, as a senior. Named most valuable lineman in his junior and senior seasons, while also earning all-conference and all-city honors in basketball. Father, competed in track and field at Oregon. Majored in physical and health education teaching. Born 5/13/86 in Colorado Springs, CO.
MATTHEW HUNERS
Guard/Center
Height: 6-3
Weight: 290
College: South Florida
A three-year starter, played 34 games with 27 starts. In 2008, started in 12 of 13 games, garnering an All-Big East. Suffered a torn ACL in 2007, but remarkably recovered to play in 3 games and was given the USF Coaches Award for his amazing recovery. An all-county selection at Palm Harbor University (FL) HS, was a three-time offensive line MVP, not allowing a sack during his junior and senior seasons. Born 10/15/85 in Dunedin, FL. Full name: Matthew Allen Huners.
TERRAIL LAMBERT
Defensive Back
Height: 5-11
Weight: 195
College: Notre Dame
A three-year starter, played in 48 games (30 starts) posting 115 tackles, 1.5 TFLs, 0.5 sacks, 6 PD, 4 INTs, 1 FF and 1 FR. During his senior season, played in 11 games (8 starts), recording 33 tackles and 4 PD. In 2007, started all 12 games and posted 34 tackles and 1 INT. An all-state selection as a defensive back, played five positions (RB, DE, LB, S, CB) at St. Bonaventure (CA) HS. In his senior year, tallied 87 tackles and 3 INTs, while rushing 13 times for 133 yds and 2 TDs. Also ran track.. Earned a degree in film, television and theatre and is currently enrolled in graduate studies program. Born 12/01/85 in Los Angeles, CA. Full name: Terrail Lamar Lambert.
KHALIF MITCHELL
Defensive End
Height: 6-5
Weight: 318
College: East Carolina
Spent his first two seasons at North Carolina, totaling 28 tackles as a part-time starter before transferring to East Carolina. After sitting out the 2006 season, played in 11 games (6 starts) and earned honorable mention All-Conference USA after recording 19 tackles, 5.5 TFLs and 2 sacks. As a senior, posted 16 tackles, 3 TFLs and 1 sack in 7 games (4 starts). Attended Hargrave Military Academy and helped lead the team to an 8-1 record. Started at DE and TE at First Colonial (VA) HS, playing football for just two seasons after moving to Virginia from New Jersey. Also lettered in track, competing in the shot put and discus. Majored in communications. Born 04/07/85 in Virginia Beach, VA. Full name is Khalif Quadree Mitchell.
KORY SHEETS
Running Back
Height: 5-11
Weight: 208
College: Purdue
A four-year letterman at Purdue, ranks 2nd in school history behind Mike Alstott with 3,341 rushing yds. and 664 carries. Holds the school record for career rushing TDs (4, a total ranked 5th all-time in the Big Ten history. A 2008 All-Big Ten honorable mention, finished with 1,131 rushing yds. for a school record 16 TDs. Totaled 1,643 all-purpose yards that season, ranking 6th in school history. Ran for 859 yds. and 11 TDs on 168 carries with 30 receptions for 216 yds. and a pair of scores in his junior season. Was an All-Conference selection as a senior at Bloomfield (CT) HS, leading the team to a state championship that year, while also garnering all-state recognition in track and field. Majored in organizational leadership and supervision. Mother, Krystal, participated in track and field at Morgan State. Born on 03/31/85 in Manchester, CT. Full name is Kory Gerren Sheets
CARLOS THOMAS
Cornerback
Height: 5-11
Weight: 197
College: South Carolina
A four-year letterman, played in 48 games (25 starts), recording 59 tackles, 2.5 TFLs, 12 PD and 6 INTs. In 2008, played in 13 games (5 starts), registering 14 tackles, 1.5 TFLs, 5 PD and 3 INTs. In 2007, played in 13 games (10 starts), tallying 27 tackles and 2 INTs. An all-state selection in 2004 at Bannekar (GA) HS, recorded 30 tackles and 4 INTs. Also ran for over 1,000 yds. along with 9 TDs, as well as recording in 20 receptions for 411 yds. and 5 TDs. Majored in African American studies. Brother, Levon, played WR in the NFL. Born 05/01/87 in College Park, GA.
JAHI WORD-DANIELS
Cornerback
Height: 6-0
Weight: 194
College: Georgia Tech
Played in 42 games (25 starts), recording 124 tackles, 7 TFLs, 23 PD, and 5 INTs. In 2008, started every game he played, finishing with 24 tackles, 3.5 TFLs, 2 PD and 1 INT. Enjoyed most productive season in 2007, starting all 13 games and registering 56 tackles, 2.5 TFLs, 8 PD and 2 INTs. An all-state selection at Hoover (AL) HS, tallied 7 INTs and 2 blocked punts, as a senior. Majored in management. Born 11/19/86 in Hoover, AL.
& I been wondering what happened to Brandon Long (who I liked):
Michigan State defensive end Brandon Long is not on that list. Long apparently failed his physical.
