49ersNews.com

Matt Maiocco, of the Santa Rosa Press Democrat, reports the San Francisco 49ers have absolutely no interest in disgruntled Oakland Raiders WR Jerry Porter.

Hey guys. Vin back here with a report from the team scrimmage today.

– The practice opened up with some stretching and basic position drills. Then the coaches added in defenses accordingly, before the team actually began to scrimmage.

– The scrimmage saw the first team offense go against the second team defense for about a drive. Then the second team offense went up against the first team defense for another drive. Jessie Palmer and Shaun Hill lead a 3rd/4th string offense against the 2nd string D with some 3rds mixed in there to close out the practice.

– Vernon Davis had the highlight of the day and got the entire crowd on its feet with a beautiful catch on a seam route. He split the LBs, ran straight up the middle, and Alex Smith hit him in stride.

– Mike Rumph was burned by Antonio Bryant (I believe) today. He did look to be a hard hitter every now and then on shorter routes, but in coverage, Rumph was giving up a big cushion and that was kind of shakey.

– Our big, Norv Turner back might have been found. Unfortunately, it’s not Kevan Barlow. The man I’m referring to is Michael Robinson. Robinson showed a beautiful and amazingly quick burst when taking the hand off. He also was able to run up the middle and come out the other end on more than one occassion today. It was a very impressive showing for him. He even managed to protect Jessie Palmer and pick up the blitz today, showing off his blocking skills. I’d still like to see Robinson get lower when he runs, but this guy really stood out today and could be a perfect complement to Frank Gore.

– Frank Gore practiced hard today. He didn’t burst off any big gains up the middle, but he managed to hold on to a difficult pass in the middle of the end zone during drills, when contact was apparent.


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Episode 1 of the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of Niner football. Erickson, Crack, and newcomer James discuss Rashaun Woods, Training Camp, preseason, and more…

The Good, The Bad, The Ugly – Ep.1

We have learned the Niners have agreed to terms with DT Lance Legree, pending physical. Legree is a six year vet who came into the league with the New York Giants and spent last season with the New York Jets. Announcement should come from the 49ers after physical has been passed, and the deal physically signed.

The 49ers’ players and management have quietly arranged for the construction of a home for the mother of Thomas Herrion, the offensive lineman who collapsed and died last August after an exhibition game in Denver.

The house, in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, is expected to be finished before the end of this month. Janice Herrion was living in an apartment in Fort Worth at this time last year, and Herrion had told teammates he hoped to make the roster so he could buy a house for his mother.

“We knew what Thomas was trying to do, and having Dr. York and Coach Nolan get involved, having all the guys come together, that was just something we all wanted to do and it was the right thing to do,’’ tackle Jonas Jennings said Friday.

Team owner John York and Coach Mike Nolan spearheaded an effort that brought contributions from players, staff, the 49ers Foundation, the NFL and the NFL Players Association. Team officials declined to say how much was raised but indicated there is enough money to cover utilities, taxes and other home expenses for years to come.

Janice Herrion could not be reached for comment, but 49ers officials have remained in touch with her and other members of the family.

Nolan said: “I’m pleased with what has happened and what the guys have done. It says a lot about what they thought about Thomas. . . . They’re trying to help make his dream come true.’‘

[49ers are fulfilling Herrion’s wish] – Mercury News

What a difference a year makes
by Vini Chopra – 49ersNews.com

08.05.06—As I sat watching the 49ers prepare for the 2006 NFL Season during the first week of training camp, a very cliched but appropriate phrase popped up almost instantaneously. “What a difference a year makes!” I say this after enduring last year’s training camps, where I was subjected, or perhaps ‘tortured’ is a more appropriate word, to a team that clearly needed to be refined. Most of my complaints centered around the offense because Mike McCarthy was doing the same ‘dinking and dunking’ that was getting old in the NFL. But after an off-season that can be called progressive to say the least, the 49ers are looking like a much more exciting and firey team if training camp is any indication of what is to come (and usually it is).

I could go on about the string of positives that the team managed to follow leading up to Training Camp 2006. I would of course highlight the hiring of Norv Turner, a man who mentored Troy Aikman and figured significantly into the success of the Dallas Cowboys Super Bowl victories, as our offense coordinator. The drafting of Vernon Davis and Manny Lawson had fans excited, as both provided athletic freaks that could act as much needed playmakers on offense and defense. And there were many other beneficial moves that the front office made (Larry Allen, Antonio Bryant). But all of these are moot right now. What matters is how those players come together and become a team that treads on the same path of glory that the older 49er teams followed. So far, the excitement of the off-season moves and great draft are all paying off on the field.

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