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Hey guys, it’s Vin again with some notes and observations from the training camp that took place on Friday, August 4th. This was a non-padded practice and the one before the team scrimmage which will be held tomorrow afternoon.

- One of the most positive trends I’ve noticed this year compared to last year, with a week of camp under the belt, is the difference in the style of offense we’re running. Folks, Norv Turner’s offense looks to be everything many 49er fans have been clamoring for ever since the 2000 season, at least from the looks of what they’re doing on training camp. While execution will depend solely on the progression of the young players we have, the way in which we’re playing offense is so much more aggressive and open compared to last year. The progressions in passing, where WRs are running deeper down the field and the variety of routes that belong to the RBs, WRs, and TEs is a breath of fresh air.

- One person who looks really good in those receiving progressions is Bryan Gilmore. He stood out again today and made some nice catches. Again, Arnaz Battle did not practice, so we’ve had a chance to see a lot of Gilmore, and he’s looking very reliable out there.

- Marcus Maxwell also had a nice practice today, after being catchless on Wednesday’s afternoon practice session. Today the WRs and DBs were working on one on one drills against one another, and they were being aggressive. The referees were there to show the players what they could and could not get away with while defending. Whenever Marcus Maxwell went up against a DB, he was able to use his size to out position the defensive back, shake loose, or make a move and get open in the middle of the field. Very solid work.


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As he watches from the sidelines, the consensus from media observers is that Derrick Hamilton is a goner the moment he’s healthy enough to pass a physical. But that won’t be for a while. Nolan said Hamilton – out since the opening day of camp with a hamstring injury – won’t practice the rest of this week and remains out indefinitely.

“And if that changes,” Nolan said, “I’ll bring his name up. From here on out, let’s wait because it will be a while before I talk about him.”

[SF Illustrated]

After the 49ers’ morning practice Thursday, as most of the players trudged back to the locker room for a break, rookie tight end Vernon Davis remained on the field under the guidance of long snapper Brian Jennings.

Jennings might seem like an unlikely mentor for the 49ers’ first-round pick. Jennings, 29, has never caught a pass. His stat line from last season: 107 snaps on punts, 29 snaps on field-goal attempts and 21 snaps on extra points.

But beyond his special-teams role, Jennings serves as the team’s emergency tight end. After six NFL seasons, he knows that position as well as anyone, especially when it comes to blocking assignments.

“He just goes with me every day after practice and works with me,’’ Davis said. “Pass protection, run blocking, running routes.

“He’s been here for a long time. He might not have got out there at tight end, but he’s at all the meetings. He’s out there on the field with us going through the motions. And he knows this stuff. It’s a privilege to have him teach me some things.’‘

[Mercury News]