Harbaugh protecting 49ers' young talent

Share

SANTA CLARA -- Practices for 49ers rookies and selected veterans this week are closed to the media. And coach Jim Harbaugh has a reason for keeping his evaluations to himself.Following the team's workout Tuesday, while making small talk, Harbaugh asked which players we were interviewing. Then, I asked Harbaugh if there were any "under the radar" players I should be interviewing. He told me he would rather not disclose which players have impressed him.
The 49ers have 90 players on their roster. They must trim 37 players from their roster for the start of the regular season. Then, they can add eight of those waived players to their practice squad.Among the players who could generate some interest around the league if they fail to land spots on the 49ers' roster are safety Michael Thomas, quarterback Scott Tolzien, and a group of receivers that includes Nathan Palmer, Chris Owusu and Brian Tyms."There are a lot of guys out here who are impressive," 49ers second-year quarterback Colin Kaepernick said. "Obviously, they're out here for a reason: They can play football. So I think the coaches are going to have a tough time when it comes to making cuts."There are a lot of receivers I like, fast and agile. I really don't want to get into naming names."Harbaugh appears genuinely excited about the crop of young players the 49ers have in camp. And, obviously, the organization does not want to see any of that promising talent end up with another team.Once the veterans report to camp, their practices are required to be open to the media. Because of stadium construction around the team's practice facility, only one practice is scheduled to be open to the general public (Aug. 12 at Candlestick Park).Here's the roster of 49ers rookies and selected veterans who are taking part in the practices prior to the arrival of the veterans:Quarterbacks
1-Josh Johnson
3-Scott Tolzien
7-Colin Kaepernick
11-Alex SmithRunning backs
23-LaMichael James
33-Jewel Hampton
44-Cameron Bell
Wide receivers
9-Brian Tyms
17-A.J. Jenkins
19-Ted Ginn
81-Chris Owusu
89-Nathan PalmerTight ends
46-Delanie Walker
47-Kyle Nelson
48-Garrett Celek
88-Konrad ReulandOffensive linemen
60-Garrett Chisolm
61-Chase Beeler
62-Jason Slowey
65-Al Netter
66-Joe Looney
68-David Gonzales
69-Kenny Wiggins
71-Derek HallDefensive linemen (10)
63-Tony Jerod-Eddie
69-Patrick Butrym
71-Matthew MasifiloLinebackers
44-Eric Bakhtiari
48-Kourtnei Brown
50-Cam Johnson
51-Joe Holland
57-Michael Wilhoite
58-Darius FlemingDefensive backs
23-Cory Nelms
30-Trenton Robinson
32-Darcel McBath
33-Anthony Mosley
35-Ben Hannula
35-Mark LeGree
36-Michael Thomas
40-Deante PurvisSpecialists
5-Giorgio Tavecchio-Placed on activephysically unable to perform list
-Placed on activenon-football injury list
Players placed on either list count against the 90-man roster limit and can be activated at any time prior to the final cuts of training camp.NOTE: All quarterbacks and players who were rehabbing injuries in the offseason are eligible to report early. That list includes Ginn (knee), Walker (knee) and McBath (arm).

Contact Us