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DHNF · 06-05-2007, 12:58 PM

Quote:

Hill makes a good first impression
# Rookie wide receiver shows playmaking ability in organized practice

Contra Costa Times
Article Launched: 06/05/2007 03:01:51 AM PDT

SANTA CLARA -- Making a couple nice catches and runs at Monday's first organized practice was all part of the plan for 49ers rookie wide receiver Jason Hill.

What he didn't expect was to be singled out by veteran quarterback Trent Dilfer, the 14-year NFL veteran quarterback and backup to Alex Smith.

"He told me, 'Keep it up, youngster. Keep making plays like that, and we'll throw you the ball,'" Hill said. "My eyes lit up when Trent told me that. As a young guy, that's what you work hard for. I got a little bit of a confidence boost today."

Hill figures to get more than his share of practice time in the coming days because Ashley Lelie left practice early after tweaking the quad muscle that kept him out of the team's May minicamp. Wide receiver Darrell Jackson also remains sidelined with a toe injury.

A native of San Francisco who starred at Washington State, Hill could be in the mix with Lelie and Bryan Gilmore to start at split end.

Coach Mike Nolan said Hill seemed more comfortable and had a better handle of the offense now than he did a month ago. But he also said he didn't want to read too much into that because the true test won't come until players don pads in training camp.

Suiting up

Nolan has been told he'll be allowed to wear a suit and tie on the sideline for two games again this season. But the 49ers coach holds out some hope that the league and Reebok, the NFL's sideline apparel sponsor, will loosen the policy to allow him to wear formal
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attire on a weekly basis, as he has requested for the last two years.

"I keep trying to push it all the time," Nolan said. "I find that all the players, all the coaches would like to see it. I've never heard anybody say anything different. But at the same time, Reebok makes the call on that."

Nolan wore the Reebok-made business suits during home games against Seattle and Arizona last season. Jacksonville coach Jack Del Rio also was allowed to wear a suit and tie at two games last season.

Commissioner Roger Goodell has said that he likes the formal look, as well. However, Reebok has been reluctant to change its two-game limit.

"I think they wish it would go away, but I try to keep alive as much as I can," said Nolan, who pushed to wear the suits as a tribute to his father, former 49ers coach Dick Nolan.

Extra points

Guard Larry Allen, citing personal reason, has been excused from attending the team's voluntary organized team activities over the next three weeks. Nolan said Allen would continue to work out at his East Bay home. "He's got a $60,000 workout place there and I don't figure he wants to waste it," Nolan said. "He's doing a good job. We'll see him at training camp." ... Tackle Kwame Harris came off the practice field early because of back spasms. Nolan said he hopes Lelie (quad) can return today. Tackle Jonas Jennings (shoulder), guard Justin Smiley (shoulder), cornerback Shawntae Spencer (foot) and Jackson (toe) were kept out of practice and won't return until training camp this summer. Center Eric Heitmann (leg) and tight end Delanie Walker (shoulder) returned to practice on a limited basis.

-- Dennis Georgatos,

MediaNews staff

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DHNF · 06-05-2007, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Monday, June 04, 2007
49ers update: Intrigued by Rayburn
Rayburn

draftdaddy.com

Rayburn

Former Eagles defensive tackle Sam Rayburn visited the team recently. Released by the Eagles on May 11, coach Mike Nolan sees Rayburn as a nose tackle and defensive end. Nolan said the four-year player, who made 101 tackles and nine sacks in 52 games with the Eagles, is a tough player who would fit well in the defensive-line rotation.

"Hopefully, (the Eagles') loss is our gain," said Nolan. "He has three other teams who are also interested but we would like to get him."

First day of OTA:

--The team is holding organized team activity practices four days a week for the next three weeks, which are voluntary. Everyone reported on Monday except Pro Bowl guard Larry Allen, who has talked to Nolan on the phone several times. Nolan said that Allen is dealing with a personal issue that doesn't include his contract or possible retirement.

--Wide receiver Ashley Lelie was held out of the second part of team drills after the thigh muscle he stretched during the mandatory minicamp in the beginning of May tightened. Nolan said Lelie would still take part in OTAs, possibly as soon as tomorrow.

--Center Eric Heitmann took part in team and individual drills but was limited. He's returning from the breaking his leg Dec. 11 in Seattle. Tight end Delanie Walker (shoulder surgery), took part in individual drills but was held out of team action. Guard Justin Smiley (shoulder), tackle Jonas Jennings (shoulder), cornerback Shawntae Spencer (foot) and wide receiver Darrell Jackson (toe) won't participate until July 29 when training camp opens.

--Tackle Kwame Harris had spasms in his lower back during the individual period. He stayed out on the field, but might be too sore to practice tomorrow.

--Rookie cornerback Tarrell Brown looked like he got the best of fellow rookie wide receiver Jason Hill during team drills. Hill did make a diving catch in practice against another cornerback.

--Quarterback Alex Smith completed 5 of 8 passes in the team scrimmage including a laser between defenders to wide receiver Arnaz Battle.

--Cornerback Nate Clements, Battle, Hill and Brandon Williams caught punts today. Nolan said he wouldn't use Clements, who signed an eight-year $80 million deal in March, as a return man. But Nolan said if Clements proves to be very explosive, he might get a few returns during the season. [/b]

DHNF · 06-05-2007, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Nolan's Notebook: OTAs Start
print

- 2007-06-04
RE: Opening Statement
“Good first day of OTAs. We’ve had an outstanding attendance thus far in the off-season program, mini camp was strong and today was a good first day of the OTAs. We’ll go the next three weeks, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Every day will be the same schedule with the Monday two weeks from now finishing earlier because we have a diversity meeting we need to do inside. One player will not be in attendance for the OTAs and that’s Larry Allen. He’s been excused by me. Everyone else is here and it’s my anticipation that they’ll be here throughout.”

RE: if Allen’s absence is just due to his veteran status
“Personal reasons. We’ve spoken, we continue to speak. He is working out, staying in shape and all of that. I’m not concerned too much about that right now.”

RE: if he has seen Allen
“I haven’t seen him, but I have spoken to him. I saw him at the mini camp but I haven’t seen him since then.”

RE: if Allen is considering retirement
“I don’t think so. Right now, no. That hasn’t been the discussion. That’s not what our discussions have been about.”

RE: if Allen has been working out with the team
“No. Larry has a $60,000 setup at his own house so he didn’t want to waste it, so he’s using that and he’s been doing a good job.

RE: injuries
“On the injury front, Kwame Harris came off early. He had some back spasms. This time of year you don’t have probable, doubtful and all of that stuff so he’ll be probable for our first game I’ll say that. Practice tomorrow, he’ll probably be stiff and sore and won’t be out there. I don’t think it was anything extensive. Ashley Lelie had some tightness in his quad. As you know, he pulled it in the mini camp so we took him out of some of the drills, but he was fine. He didn’t re- injure it. Players who were kept out were Darrell Jackson, Jonas Jennings, Justin Smiley, and Shawntae Spencer. Guys with limited work were Eric Heitmann and TE Delanie Walker.

RE: if the Allen situation is related to his contract
“No, it’s just ‘we’ll see you at training camp.’”

RE: Michael Robinson’s role increasing this year
“Well, competition will decide how that is but I would hope that Michael would make the next step as a running back. Last year was his first year fulltime at the position, along with getting used to a new offense and all of that. I would hope, someone asked me today as a matter of fact who would be one of the guys I’d be most pleased to make some real progress, and it would be Michael. Just because when we took him, we knew it would be a position change. The kind of person he is, he’s a 49ers. He’s what you are looking for as far as the athletic things, the character things, the toughness, all of those things. I’d like to see that he would show some progress playing that position.”

RE: Ray McDonald and how he’s holding up with his knee
“He’s doing fine. No issues there. He certainly doesn’t make any bones about it.”

RE: if they thought McDonald would need surgery when they took him
“There was some talk of it, prior to drafting him. Once we drafted him, we decided he was going to play. That’s what the player wanted to do as well, and he played last year with it. It isn’t recent. It didn’t happen since last year.”

RE: if Alex Smith has had much time throwing with Ashley Lelie or Darrell Jackson
”No, they haven’t been able to do much at all. Darrell, none. He’s here, he’s working out and rehabbing but he won’t take reps until training camp. Darrell is much more accomplished than those other guys as far as an NFL receiver, even Lelie. He’s more accomplished than him. Not that I’m not concerned about it, because body language and chemistry between a quarterback and a receiver is so important, but at the same time, I think Darrell will catch up and make up the ground quicker than the others.”

RE how many touches he expects Frank Gore to get this year
“We’d like to have him get 20-25 touches a game. I’d hope we’d add some more playmakers on offense to take some of that off of him, but at the same time, you want to have your best players carrying the ball. Each individual game dictates that. If he touches the ball 25 times a game, I think that’s good for us. That leaves some for the tight end, the other wide receivers and whoever else.”

RE: if Nate Clements will actually field punts this year
“I have reservations, but I’m letting him work at it. We’ll see. Deion (Sanders)did it one time and he was awfully explosive, but at the same time I understand (the risks). He’s got an entirely different running style than Deion, but a lot of times what I see with returners is just if they are smart about it. In other words, there are times when the extra yards matter and then there’s times where catch it and just get out of bounds. The guys who try to get every inch they can and if he’s a guy who is really a key part of an offense or defense, I’m a little skeptical. I love that about him, but…”

RE: if Jason Hill and Thomas Clayton will return kicks
“I hope so, as well as Tarell Brown. Some of them will do punts, some will do kicks. I was going to ask them (special teams coaches) because I only saw Brandon Williams, Nate Clements and Arnaz Battle today. I know the answer I’m going to get is because those other guys were part of the punt protection. Guys like Jason Hill and Brown are both gunners so they weren’t back. Brown was a kickoff returner until last year and he was very good. He did a good job. I’m not sure what Hill did.”

RE: Jason Hill’s performance
“He did a better job today than he did in the mini camp, but that’s to be expected as far as knowing where to line up, the routes, and just finishing.”

RE: Vernon Davis requiring some polish
”A little bit, but he’s still (learning). He’s got an awful lot of talent. He doesn’t have a little bit, he’s got a lot and he just needs to continue to hone his skills as a football player. He works very hard and he’s very committed and very dedicated. Vernon is a good kid. He does a good job. Everything looks bright ahead of him, as long as he just keeps working like he is. I’ve got a lot of confidence that he’s just going to get better all of the time, but he does have a lot of talent and the more he learns how to use that as a tight end, he’ll just get better and better.” [/b]

DHNF · 06-05-2007, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Quick Lelie starting slowly with 49ers

Kevin Lynch, Chronicle Staff Writer

Tuesday, June 5, 2007

After practice Monday morning, 49ers wide receiver Ashley Lelie sat on a bench and watched a rabbit dart between hedges next to the field in Santa Clara. That seemed appropriate because the team hopes that Lelie, who signed a two-year, $4.3 million deal in March, uses his speed to draw the defense's attention on game days.

Lelie is the team's designated deep threat, with his long stride and career average of 17.5 yards per catch. So far, he's getting a slow start on his 49ers career, while younger receivers nip at his heels.

Lelie pulled a thigh muscle during the first practice of the mandatory minicamp in early May. He hobbled around the locker room for the rest of the camp. On Monday, he practiced but was held out during the last scrimmage after the thigh tightened.

Lelie, who spent last season in Atlanta after an acrimonious parting with Denver last summer, hopes to make a big splash with his new team. He thinks his presence at these "organized team activities," working with quarterback Alex Smith, will give him a better chance at success than he had in Atlanta, where he was a late arrival.

After the 2005 season in Denver, when he averaged 18.3 yards on his 42 receptions, Lelie sank in the depth chart when the Broncos signed former Packer Javon Walker. Lelie, a first-round draft pick by the Broncos in 2002, responded with a holdout and trade demand. He was dealt during training camp to Atlanta after the Falcons' Brian Finneran got hurt.

In 2006, Lelie had 28 receptions for 430 yards (15.4 yards per catch) for Atlanta. He wasn't re-signed because the Falcons have two first-round picks (Michael Jenkins, 2004, and Roddy White, 2005) and Finneran.

Lelie might be facing more competition than he anticipated with the 49ers. Marcus Maxwell, a seventh-round project who was chosen in 2005, continues to light up NFL Europa. He has six touchdown catches in seven games and caught six passes for 81 yards and a touchdown Saturday for the Hamburg Sea Devils. Second-year man Brandon Williams impressed during the first minicamp.

Lelie provides something that others in the 49ers' receiving corps don't, and that's speed. Even if Lelie doesn't catch 60 passes this year, the threat of his speed changes a defense. Many teams will have to devote a safety to his side to avoid giving up a long play.

"I'm just glad I'll still be able to get on track," Lelie said about the timing of his injury. "I'm glad this didn't happen in training camp."

Rayburn visit: The 49ers had former Eagles defensive tackle Sam Rayburn visit recently. He was released by Philadelphia on May 11. The 49ers and three other teams are interested in signing him.

"Hopefully, their (the Eagles') loss is our gain," coach Mike Nolan said. Rayburn would fit in the rotation as a nose tackle and defensive end. Rayburn fell out of favor in Philadelphia after players such as Mike Peterson began developing.

Briefly: Guard Larry Allen won't take part in any of the OTAs, which is OK by Nolan. Allen is dealing with a personal issue. The 49ers, otherwise, had a full roster Monday. ... Right tackle Kwame Harris had back spasms during individual drills and might be held out for a few days.

E-mail Kevin Lynch at klynch@sfchronicle.com.
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Catalyst · 06-05-2007, 04:16 PM

Let the man wear a suit. I don't see what the big deal is

DHNF · 06-05-2007, 04:29 PM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Catalyst @ Jun 5th ) [snapback]2017825[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

Let the man wear a suit. I don't see what the big deal is

[/b]

I don't either. Ridiculous.

AZ9er · 06-05-2007, 06:52 PM

advertising..

same reason all the players have to wear reebok gear during events and stuff regardless of personal endorsements.

facists.

Catalyst · 06-05-2007, 07:04 PM

Well ****, maybe Reebok should make suits

LTF · 06-05-2007, 11:34 PM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Catalyst @ Jun 5th ) [snapback]2017932[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

Well ****, maybe Reebok should make suits

[/b]

They do, but it doesn't show off the logo like their other **** does. That's why they only give em 2 games a year.

imported_steadypimpin · 06-06-2007, 08:43 AM

I think the NFL should be able to overrule this stupid rule. I know they have a contract with Reebok but there are like 60 guys on each sideline doing enough advertising for them. I dont see the big deal if 2 coaches wear a suit and the other 100+ players, personell wear the reebok ****. I like the suit, its pimp. They should class the joint up a little bit.

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