S Colin Jones switches to offense — maybe

SANTA CLARA -- College defensive end-turned-NFL fullback Bruce Miller, a seventh-round draft pick, wasn't the only 49ers rookie the club asked to change from defense to offense.One round earlier, the 49ers selected Colin Jones, a safety from Texas Christian.The 49ers chose Jones for his play on special teams. And after a rough beginning to the season, Jones made his mark with eight tackles on the coverage units.But ask Jones what position he plays -- offense or defense -- and he can't give you an answer."Honestly, I don't know," Jones said. "I'm whatever position I'm told to be that day. I don't know the answer."Jones (6-foot, 208 pounds) played no snaps of defense during the regular season. He played one snap on offense as a wide receiver in the 49ers' regular-season finale against the St. Louis Rams. He lined up at wideout, went into motion and ran a fake fly sweep.He has been spending more time recently in wide receiver meetings, he said. On the practice field, Jones has been working on offense. And he is spending extra time working on his pass-catching after practices.
Jones is not likely to see any action on offense or defense on Saturday against the New Orleans Saints. But he'll have a big role as the 49ers hope to limit Saints return man Darren Sproles.Jones has come a long way from his first game -- the exhibition opener at New Orleans -- when he typically was the first player down the field but routinely ran past the player with the ball."I'm getting comfortable with the different schemes and making the plays you're supposed to make and not forcing plays," Jones said. "It's not about going down there and trying to make every play. It's what's best for the unit."I went to the practice squad for three weeks -- Weeks 2, 3 and 4 -- and I didn't want to go back there. I'm doing everything I can to help the team."