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John Walsh
May 22, 2012, 1:05:52 PM5/22/12
to
49ers Finish Football School
Taylor Price49ers.com
@TaylorPrice49 Goal Posts Blog
There were plenty of graduations taking place over the weekend, most
of them academic in nature. On Monday, however, the San Francisco
49ers had a commencement of sorts, following the conclusion of three
weeks of on-field “Football School” sessions.
Up next, the 49ers will begin Phase 3 of the team’s offseason program
which will see 10 days of Organized Team Activities (OTAs) spread out
over a three-week period.
Count second-year running back Kendall Hunter as one of the many young
49ers players eager to begin OTAs. After all, last year’s fourth-round
pick out of Oklahoma State went on to rush 112 times for 473 yards
with two touchdowns.
And, Hunter accomplished all of that without a full NFL offseason.
So it should come as no surprise to hear the 5-foot-7, 199-pound
runner speak openly about the confidence he’s gaining in offseason
workouts and how it’s helping him prepare for his sophomore campaign.
“Even though I’m not a rookie, it’s my first time going through (an
NFL offseason) like the rookies,” Hunter shared. “It’s been good,
everything’s slowed down.”
Similar sentiments were expressed by third-year cornerback Tramaine
Brock, who recorded five tackles and two interceptions in 2011.
The 5-foot-10, 197-pound cornerback who made the 49ers in 2010
undrafted out of Belhaven, continues to feel more confident with each
day he’s able to work with the defensive coaching staff.
“Every year since after my rookie season I’ve gotten more and more
comfortable,” said Brock who was active for 11 regular season games
and both San Francisco playoff games last season. “I feel like I’m
going to start playing like I did when I was in high school and
college.”
With the first two phases of offseason practices focusing on
non-contact work, Brock has been able to keep a strong focus on his
fundamentals. The OTA portion of the offseason, however, signals the
start of players wearing helmets for practice. Offensive vs. defensive
drills will come at the start of the team’s June 11th mandatory
minicamp.
Brock is using these stages of the offseason to get a better grasp of
Vic Fangio’s defensive system and to also get ready for the
competitions that will take place down the road.
“It’s going to be competition, but not the full competition,” Brock
said of the upcoming OTAs. “Either way, I’m ready to get after it.”
“I just look to get work, look to get better,” Brock added. “I want to
see how I’ve done this offseason, see how my footwork looks and see
what things I need to work on.”
Second-year quarterback Scott Tolzien, who went undrafted in 2011 out
of the University of Wisconsin, also benefited greatly from 49ers
Football School.
Tolzien’s first full offseason in the NFL is making a world of a
difference, too.
“People forget that last season all us second-year guys, we didn’t
have any of this,” said the quarterback who spent his rookie training
camp with the San Diego Chargers.
“We were back home playing the waiting game,” Tolzien detailed. “In a
lot of aspects, we’re still playing a little bit of catch-up, making
up for lost time. It’s been great to start over and learn the offense
from the ground up.”
Now that he’s working with teammates at 49ers headquarters, Tolzien
has used the time to concentrate on fundamental work while adding to
his understanding of the team’s offensive concepts.
“They say offseason is when you can fine-tune your mechanics,” said
the second-year quarterback, who’s especially enjoyed getting down
timing with some of the team’s new wide receivers.
Hunter also sees himself making strides in improving his techniques:
footwork and timing his explosion through open running lanes.
“I learned in this league, it doesn’t matter how bad or how good, if
you’re not taking the proper footwork, doing the right reads, none of
your talent matters,” Hunter stressed.
So that’s why the young running back has been in constant
communication with easy-to-recognize running backs coach Tom Rathman,
who’s been wearing his team-issued blue collar work shirt all
offseason.
“He started it last year,” Hunter said of his coach’s practice attire.
“When you put on the shirt, you’re going to work.”
Hunter might not be wearing his own blue collar shirt out on the
practice fields, but he shares Rathman’s mindset of constantly
striving for improvement.
“I’ll tell you this, jumping in and stacking every day helps,” Hunter
explained. “They put in some things, I get a chance to rep it, take it
in, study it and go over it.
“It’s good to get in there and go over everything.”
Hunter also uses veterans like Frank Gore, Brandon Jacobs and Rock
Cartwright for extra guidance.
“The vets don’t get as many reps, but it’s good for us young guys,”
Hunter shared. “You have to go through it and it makes you better. You
learn from the vets, they’ll tell you what you’re doing wrong and
they’ll help you out.”
Soon enough, training camp and all of its demands will be on the
hearts and minds of the 49ers players. But until that happens, the
offseason remains the time to build on last year’s accomplishments.
“I think it’s great with the progression,” Tolzien added. “We’re not
jumping into things; you kind of get to ease into it, especially
mentally. For a quarterback, half your battle is the mental aspect of
it. It’s nice to not be thrown out there into the fire.
“You’ve got a chance to ease your way into it and learn it from the
bottom up. From the foundation all the way to the details.”
The details will continue to be expanded on as the team heads into OTA
sessions.
“I’m really looking forward to it,” Hunter said. “I didn’t have any of
this last year. Just going through all this makes you that much
better, but you also have to put the work in.”
[He's also more than a third down back. He's got plenty of speed,
hits the holes fast. He drags players with him and he doesn't fumble.
I'd say he rates more than just a player who gives Frank a break every
now and then]
Taylor Price49ers.com
@TaylorPrice49 Goal Posts Blog
There were plenty of graduations taking place over the weekend, most
of them academic in nature. On Monday, however, the San Francisco
49ers had a commencement of sorts, following the conclusion of three
weeks of on-field “Football School” sessions.
Up next, the 49ers will begin Phase 3 of the team’s offseason program
which will see 10 days of Organized Team Activities (OTAs) spread out
over a three-week period.
Count second-year running back Kendall Hunter as one of the many young
49ers players eager to begin OTAs. After all, last year’s fourth-round
pick out of Oklahoma State went on to rush 112 times for 473 yards
with two touchdowns.
And, Hunter accomplished all of that without a full NFL offseason.
So it should come as no surprise to hear the 5-foot-7, 199-pound
runner speak openly about the confidence he’s gaining in offseason
workouts and how it’s helping him prepare for his sophomore campaign.
“Even though I’m not a rookie, it’s my first time going through (an
NFL offseason) like the rookies,” Hunter shared. “It’s been good,
everything’s slowed down.”
Similar sentiments were expressed by third-year cornerback Tramaine
Brock, who recorded five tackles and two interceptions in 2011.
The 5-foot-10, 197-pound cornerback who made the 49ers in 2010
undrafted out of Belhaven, continues to feel more confident with each
day he’s able to work with the defensive coaching staff.
“Every year since after my rookie season I’ve gotten more and more
comfortable,” said Brock who was active for 11 regular season games
and both San Francisco playoff games last season. “I feel like I’m
going to start playing like I did when I was in high school and
college.”
With the first two phases of offseason practices focusing on
non-contact work, Brock has been able to keep a strong focus on his
fundamentals. The OTA portion of the offseason, however, signals the
start of players wearing helmets for practice. Offensive vs. defensive
drills will come at the start of the team’s June 11th mandatory
minicamp.
Brock is using these stages of the offseason to get a better grasp of
Vic Fangio’s defensive system and to also get ready for the
competitions that will take place down the road.
“It’s going to be competition, but not the full competition,” Brock
said of the upcoming OTAs. “Either way, I’m ready to get after it.”
“I just look to get work, look to get better,” Brock added. “I want to
see how I’ve done this offseason, see how my footwork looks and see
what things I need to work on.”
Second-year quarterback Scott Tolzien, who went undrafted in 2011 out
of the University of Wisconsin, also benefited greatly from 49ers
Football School.
Tolzien’s first full offseason in the NFL is making a world of a
difference, too.
“People forget that last season all us second-year guys, we didn’t
have any of this,” said the quarterback who spent his rookie training
camp with the San Diego Chargers.
“We were back home playing the waiting game,” Tolzien detailed. “In a
lot of aspects, we’re still playing a little bit of catch-up, making
up for lost time. It’s been great to start over and learn the offense
from the ground up.”
Now that he’s working with teammates at 49ers headquarters, Tolzien
has used the time to concentrate on fundamental work while adding to
his understanding of the team’s offensive concepts.
“They say offseason is when you can fine-tune your mechanics,” said
the second-year quarterback, who’s especially enjoyed getting down
timing with some of the team’s new wide receivers.
Hunter also sees himself making strides in improving his techniques:
footwork and timing his explosion through open running lanes.
“I learned in this league, it doesn’t matter how bad or how good, if
you’re not taking the proper footwork, doing the right reads, none of
your talent matters,” Hunter stressed.
So that’s why the young running back has been in constant
communication with easy-to-recognize running backs coach Tom Rathman,
who’s been wearing his team-issued blue collar work shirt all
offseason.
“He started it last year,” Hunter said of his coach’s practice attire.
“When you put on the shirt, you’re going to work.”
Hunter might not be wearing his own blue collar shirt out on the
practice fields, but he shares Rathman’s mindset of constantly
striving for improvement.
“I’ll tell you this, jumping in and stacking every day helps,” Hunter
explained. “They put in some things, I get a chance to rep it, take it
in, study it and go over it.
“It’s good to get in there and go over everything.”
Hunter also uses veterans like Frank Gore, Brandon Jacobs and Rock
Cartwright for extra guidance.
“The vets don’t get as many reps, but it’s good for us young guys,”
Hunter shared. “You have to go through it and it makes you better. You
learn from the vets, they’ll tell you what you’re doing wrong and
they’ll help you out.”
Soon enough, training camp and all of its demands will be on the
hearts and minds of the 49ers players. But until that happens, the
offseason remains the time to build on last year’s accomplishments.
“I think it’s great with the progression,” Tolzien added. “We’re not
jumping into things; you kind of get to ease into it, especially
mentally. For a quarterback, half your battle is the mental aspect of
it. It’s nice to not be thrown out there into the fire.
“You’ve got a chance to ease your way into it and learn it from the
bottom up. From the foundation all the way to the details.”
The details will continue to be expanded on as the team heads into OTA
sessions.
“I’m really looking forward to it,” Hunter said. “I didn’t have any of
this last year. Just going through all this makes you that much
better, but you also have to put the work in.”
[He's also more than a third down back. He's got plenty of speed,
hits the holes fast. He drags players with him and he doesn't fumble.
I'd say he rates more than just a player who gives Frank a break every
now and then]
skep...@aol.com
May 22, 2012, 2:52:34 PM5/22/12
to
talking about bringing in Peton Manning, I had not thought of Tolzien
since then. I guess the Niners need a third QB, has anyone heard
anything about how Kapernick is developing?
John Walsh
May 22, 2012, 3:36:19 PM5/22/12
to
Kaepernick, will be go to the practice squad or be let go.
Sydney Diego
May 22, 2012, 4:16:35 PM5/22/12
to
On May 22, 12:36 pm, John Walsh <jwalsh...@gmail.com> wrote:
> On Tue, 22 May 2012 11:52:34 -0700 (PDT), "skepti...@aol.com"
JarJar Walsh strikes again.
> On Tue, 22 May 2012 11:52:34 -0700 (PDT), "skepti...@aol.com"
pause8cafe
May 22, 2012, 8:57:35 PM5/22/12
to
> > They need four QB's minimum for training camp. One of them, not
> > Kaepernick, will be go to the practice squad or be let go.
>
> JarJar Walsh strikes again.
That's rough. LOL.
> > Kaepernick, will be go to the practice squad or be let go.
>
> JarJar Walsh strikes again.
pause8cafe
May 22, 2012, 8:56:42 PM5/22/12
to
> They need four QB's minimum for training camp.
Why is that?
> One of them, not Kaepernick, will be go to the practice
> squad or be let go.
Leonard
May 23, 2012, 1:43:53 AM5/23/12
to
"John Walsh" <jwal...@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:vjqnr79kko6ajrtsd...@4ax.com...
going entering training camp.
Smith.....nearly 100% chance of making the team and starting with the money
that he is guaranteed for 2012. Sorry Smith haters. Even if outplayed in
camp and pre-season games it will be hard for the 49ers to cut him loose in
2012.
Kaepernick.....drafted by Harbaugh trading up in the second round. As such,
I cannot see Harbaugh cutting him. Second or third QB suiting up on game
days.....miniscule.
shot at being #1.
Johnson.....played for Harbaugh in college. Harbaugh thought enough of him
to bring him in. Outside chance of being the starter, good chance of being
#2, fair chance of not being with the team in September. To be the starter
he must clearly outplay Smith.
Tolzien.....He is around because he is NFL talent either as a project
starter or potential backup. Chances are he is going to be the odd man out,
but if he outplays Johnson he could stick as the 2nd or 3rd QB.
skep...@aol.com
May 23, 2012, 11:53:13 AM5/23/12
to
On May 22, 10:43 pm, "Leonard" <elkofin...@citlink.net> wrote:
> "John Walsh" <jwalsh...@gmail.com> wrote in message
>
> news:vjqnr79kko6ajrtsd...@4ax.com...
Good summing up Leonard.
> "John Walsh" <jwalsh...@gmail.com> wrote in message
>
> news:vjqnr79kko6ajrtsd...@4ax.com...
John Walsh
May 23, 2012, 1:39:56 PM5/23/12
to
On Tue, 22 May 2012 22:43:53 -0700, "Leonard" <elkof...@citlink.net>
wrote:
>
>"John Walsh" <jwal...@gmail.com> wrote in message
>news:vjqnr79kko6ajrtsd...@4ax.com...
>> On Tue, 22 May 2012 11:52:34 -0700 (PDT), "skep...@aol.com"
>> <skep...@aol.com> wrote:
>
>>>I had thought that Tolzien may have been off the roster when they were
>>>talking about bringing in Peton Manning, I had not thought of Tolzien
>>>since then. I guess the Niners need a third QB, has anyone heard
>>>anything about how Kapernick is developing?
>>
>> They need four QB's minimum for training camp. One of them, not
>> Kaepernick, will be go to the practice squad or be let go.
>
>I think that is a fair assessment. Here is how I see the four 49er QBs
>going entering training camp.
>
>Smith.....nearly 100% chance of making the team and starting with the money
>that he is guaranteed for 2012. Sorry Smith haters. Even if outplayed in
>camp and pre-season games it will be hard for the 49ers to cut him loose in
>2012.
There should be improvement when you consider this will be the first
time he's had two years in the same offense. Like the deal with House
at USC. That nagging shoulder thing might is something he'll have to
live with for a long time though.
>
>Kaepernick.....drafted by Harbaugh trading up in the second round. As such,
>I cannot see Harbaugh cutting him. Second or third QB suiting up on game
>days.....miniscule.
> shot at being #1.
Cannon arm, just has the strangest looking windup I've ever seen. Hope
they shorten that javelin style throw pose.
>
>Johnson.....played for Harbaugh in college. Harbaugh thought enough of him
>to bring him in. Outside chance of being the starter, good chance of being
>#2, fair chance of not being with the team in September. To be the starter
>he must clearly outplay Smith.
Johnson, while impressive in college, hasn't done squat in the NFL.
He's got undeniable talent, but so have a lot of college QB's.
wrote:
>
>"John Walsh" <jwal...@gmail.com> wrote in message
>news:vjqnr79kko6ajrtsd...@4ax.com...
>> On Tue, 22 May 2012 11:52:34 -0700 (PDT), "skep...@aol.com"
>> <skep...@aol.com> wrote:
>
>>>I had thought that Tolzien may have been off the roster when they were
>>>talking about bringing in Peton Manning, I had not thought of Tolzien
>>>since then. I guess the Niners need a third QB, has anyone heard
>>>anything about how Kapernick is developing?
>>
>> They need four QB's minimum for training camp. One of them, not
>> Kaepernick, will be go to the practice squad or be let go.
>
>I think that is a fair assessment. Here is how I see the four 49er QBs
>going entering training camp.
>
>Smith.....nearly 100% chance of making the team and starting with the money
>that he is guaranteed for 2012. Sorry Smith haters. Even if outplayed in
>camp and pre-season games it will be hard for the 49ers to cut him loose in
>2012.
time he's had two years in the same offense. Like the deal with House
at USC. That nagging shoulder thing might is something he'll have to
live with for a long time though.
>
>Kaepernick.....drafted by Harbaugh trading up in the second round. As such,
>I cannot see Harbaugh cutting him. Second or third QB suiting up on game
>days.....miniscule.
> shot at being #1.
they shorten that javelin style throw pose.
>
>Johnson.....played for Harbaugh in college. Harbaugh thought enough of him
>to bring him in. Outside chance of being the starter, good chance of being
>#2, fair chance of not being with the team in September. To be the starter
>he must clearly outplay Smith.
He's got undeniable talent, but so have a lot of college QB's.
John Walsh
May 24, 2012, 2:30:02 AM5/24/12
to
Josh Johnson, another small school QB. His stats don't jump off the
page in any way and his most famous pass was the one that zipped
through Clayton's hands. :)
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