Shaun Hill prepares to lead the first team offense during training camp's first practice.
(Photo: Samuel Lam)
I just got back from the 49ers headquarters where the team finished their morning practice around 10:30 AM. For the most part, the practice featured a lot of positional drills followed by a lot of contact as the offense ran their new playbook against the defense.
One thing to note about the quarterback battle was that each quarterback got an equal share of practice with drills. But when it came to passing to the wide receivers, both Shaun Hill and Alex Smith looked just OK. Hill started most of the drills with the first team offense.
The fans booed Smith on his first pass attempt, which fell for an incomplete. But he would then complete the next three passes. It seemed that every time Smith was under center, the defense broke the pocket much quicker than when Hill was under center. Smith would check down to the back in the flat in the majority of these situations.
Both quarterbacks had some shaky throws and it was still too early to see if any of them stood out. Coach Singletary was called the fans booing Smith "outstanding", claiming that this is what Smith has to deal with.
I was very impressed by a few runs by Frank Gore at running back. Gore broke through for some big gains during the practice. Rookie Glen Coffee started a little slow, but eventually found his rhythm.
The most impressive players on defense had to Isaac Sopoaga and Manny Lawson. Both deflected passes after breaking through the line. Also on defense, kick returner Allen Rossum played a little cornerback and had an interception.
Mike Sando reports that rookie Ricky Jean-Francois was out with a staph infection.
Moran Norris was out with personal reasons and as expected, Michael Crabtree was not there either. He cannot be present at camp until he signs a contract.
And on a very interesting note. Singletary introduced the team to a drill called the "nutcracker". The drill featured one lineman from the defense going up a lineman from the offense. They would go right up against each other and see who could push the opponent back.
It was interesting to see that drill and Matt Barrows has some more on how some players did in the drill.
- Michael Robinson seemed to get the better of Patrick Willis in their matchups. Willis' strength, after all, is moving in space and utilizing his speed.
- Fullback Britt Miller actually held his own against Takeo Spikes, a surprise. Willis also gave Miller a shoutout when talking about the drill with reporters.
- Delanie Walker beat Ahmad Brooks on the first go around, but Brooks looked better toward the end. That's a matchup Brooks needs to win.
- Big Bad Alex Boone (BBAB) put Pannel Egboh on his back, but later Demetric Evans did the same to Boone.
- Rookie Bear Pascoe roundly defeated Jay Moore.
- Vernon Davis said he beat Parys Haralson three times out of four.
Linebacker Pary Haralson suffered a hip flexor and is being evaluated right now.
Some notable players that started were cornerback Tarell Brown and tackle Adam Snyder. Dre Bly will have to battle Brown for the starting corner spot while Marvel Smith, as expected, is slowly being eased into the lineup.
I was impressed by Dominique Zeigler, Josh Morgan and Isaac Bruce today. But it was still too early to tell how they will do for the remainder of camp. But one good sign was that I saw a good amount of balls thrown tight end Vernon Davis' way.
And if you were there with the fans, mascot Sourodugh Sam found someone in a Tony Romo jersey and he grabbed him out of the bleachers. They cheered Sam on throughout the practice.
I have a lot of pictures I took from this morning and I'll put them up for you in a slideshow shortly.
Trying out Twitter for 49ers updates. Check me out here @SLam49ers
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