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No gimmes in camp, everybody battling for a job
By David Zizmor
August 20, 2007
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If you are on the 49ers training camp roster and your considering a job at right tackle, get in line as Niners head coach Mike Nolan said the spot is being wrestled with by rookies Joe Staley and Kwame Harris, and Nolan has acknowledged that the competition is stiff.
At the right guard position David Baas is trying to snatch the position away from starter Justin Smiley. Staley and Baas came in the third series so that Nolan could get a look at what they can do and nodded in approval at what he saw on Saturday night's game against the Raiders.
"The competition's very tight, Smiley's stepping up. He had a couple holding penalties, but he played fairly well. Kwame competed hard. Staley is competing well,” said Nolan. “I'm going to let the process use its due leverage with the pre season games. I'm pleased we have depth”.
There is no doubt in that Staley and Baas have given their all in pre season games and that they look to get a chance to start during the regular season. They have proven that they can manage at the NFL level, however the starters in front of them have the edge as they are holding the line just as well as Staley and Baas are doing the job.
"All the competition hopefully makes us better. It makes us better, it makes for some tougher decisions in the weeks to come,” said Nolan. “It's really about the best players. The best players make it. The other guys go."
Nolan has put together a hard working group this year and they've studied plays, films, chalk talk, and have put their studying to good use on the field. Everyone has come into camp competitive.
Arnaz Battle and Darrell Jackson are shoo ins for starters at wide receivers and for Ashley Lynn, Bryan Gilmore who had a great outings at receiver their situation are still being evaluated by coach Nolan.
Taylor Jacobs looked great he had some good reads at receiver and although he may not get to start he's trying to close in for a roster spot he looked good against Oakland. Brandon Williams was a third round draft pick from last year and Jason Hill was also chosen in that round last season.
Nolan has to be scratching his head about whose going to win whose job for example at the receiver position. Nolan realizes everyone who has come into camp this year is more than ready since he's been coach at San Francisco.
Meanwhile the 49ers rookie safety Dashon Goldson, is being studied by doctors and trainers after injuring his elbow. Goldson went through tests on Monday and is being evaluated by team doctors to see if he can be available for the August 30th game in San Diego. Team doctors have already said he will not play at all on Saturday night in Chicago.
Goldson hurt his elbow when he went to tackle the Raiders running back Justin Fargas last Saturday night. Goldson if healthy would be another plus at safety for the Niners he was the fourth round draft pick out of Washington.
The 49ers head to Solider Field for their third pre season game in Chicago Saturday night a 5PM PDT.
David Zizmor covers 49ers football with Pearl Lo and both can be heard co-hosting
Sportstalk on 1690 KFSG Sacramento.
quote source: 107.7FM KSAN San Francisco.
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