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**Professor** · 05-09-2006, 10:55 PM

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/articl...PGH1IN6561.DTL

49ERS NOTEBOOK
Three-day minicamp had its moments

Here are some impressions of players and scenes from the 49ers' three-day minicamp that concluded Sunday:

-- Tight end Vernon Davis, the sixth pick in April's draft, began practices nervously, dropping many catchable balls. He eventually settled, making receptions even in traffic. Davis looks more like a wide receiver because of his remarkable speed.

-- Opinions varied on the team's other first-round pick, linebacker Manny Lawson. Some thought Lawson looked too lanky (he's 6-foot-5 and a svelte 240 pounds). He couldn't finish a punishing shuttle drill imposed by linebackers coach Mike Singletary.

However, others liked Lawson's intelligence and his pass-rush ability.

-- A buzz surrounded running back Michael Robinson, the fourth-round selection and former Penn State quarterback. He ran with authority and economy as if he'd been a running back forever.

-- Wide receiver/returner Brandon Williams (only 5-9, 175) fielded punts in textbook fashion nearly every time. However, when the wind swirled late Saturday afternoon, Williams struggled -- just like everyone else -- catching kickoffs fired from a machine.

-- Guard Larry Allen was easily the most intriguing player of the minicamp based on his impressive size and strength.

During a pass-protection drill, he tossed linebackers as if they were rag dolls. On another exercise calling for guards to pull and then hit a large pad held by a teammate, Allen came out of his stance and punched the pad held chest-high by Eric Heitmann. Allen lifted the 305-pound Heitmann clean off of his feet; Heitmann then landed and stumbled backward.

Fearing potential injuries, coach Mike Nolan went to selected players, including Allen, and told them to be careful.

But Allen appears too heavy. On a drill calling for him to bounce on his feet late in practice, Allen didn't move at all. But the 49ers seem unconcerned. Allen has a reputation for downsizing to his proper playing weight in time for the regular season.

The scenes: Former 49ers head coach Dick Nolan, father of Mike, watched practice from the sideline in a golf cart Saturday, as did owners John York and Denise DeBartolo York. John is a common presence, but Denise is rarely seen other than on game day. ... A black stretch limousine waited in front of the facility Saturday evening until Allen sauntered out carrying a small bag. He was wearing a pearl white Miami Heat jersey that fell to his thighs and long baggy shorts. Allen wordlessly eased into the back of the car, then the chauffeur, who was wearing a dark suit, closed the door. Safety Keith Lewis watched as Allen motored away and said, "Man, I want to go where he's going."

Briefly: Quarterback Alex Smith is pleased teams now can use their own footballs even during road games. Previously, the home team selected the balls put into play. Smith had fumbling problems last year on the road. Some teams use balls straight from the box. 49ers equipment manager Steve Urbaniak removes a new football's waxy feel by rubbing it with grass and a damp towel. ... Smith, who went to Helix High in La Mesa (San Diego County) with Saints running back Reggie Bush, said he thought the Houston Texans should have drafted his former teammate instead of defensive end Mario Williams with the No. 1 pick. "I think the Texans made a big mistake. I don't have anything against Mario Williams, I just think Reggie is a pretty special guy," Smith said. ... Running back Frank Gore, tackle Jonas Jennings, safety Mike Adams and defensive tackle Anthony Adams, who all were raised by single moms, will host a Mother's Day dinner for 15 mothers and their children from a local Domestic Violence Shelter at the 49ers' facility on Thursday.