Demarcus Dobbs, The 49ers' Man in Black

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Its easy to understand if Demarcus Dobbs head is spinning this training camp. One minute youre in the offensive meeting room then the next minute youre in the defensive meeting room, Dobbs said. Youre trying to catch up on all the film that you had and youre trying to stay up with all the new assignments that are getting put in as training camp goes on.For Dobbs, those new assignments include learning the 49ers entire offensive and defensive playbooks. With only 47 players suited up on game days, versatility is one way for an undrafted free agent, like the Georgia alum was last season, to earn a roster spot. The 49ers coaches believe Dobbs could add depth at multiple positions.Everybody wants a piece of Dobbs right now, on both sides of the ball and special teams, head coach Jim Harbaugh said. He is a popular guy with our coaching staff. Its something thats being, to the best of our ability, thought out and planned and utilized, that hes not overused, overstrained and we dont get diminishing returns.The second-year player was in on 17 snaps on defense in the 49ers' preseason opener against the Vikings and 16 snaps on offense as a tight end, a position he last played six years ago in high school.Transitioning to tight end is brand new to me. Trying to get in that groove and switching over during practices you have to reset your mind and go for whatever position youre in, Dobbs explained. Its been a lot of work. Coaches have been working with me individually, pulling me aside sometimes during practice just to go through the different techniques. Its totally different being a defensive lineman going to a tight end going from getting off blocks to trying to block people.Dobbs number was switched from 96 to 40 so he wont have to check in as an eligible receiver with the referees when he comes in on offense, proving the exercise is not simply a training camp experiment. He also plays on special teams and now works with all three units during a single practice. To make things a bit easier, just a bit, this week the coaches gave Dobbs a black jersey to wear throughout practice. He no longer has to constantly switch back and forth between the red jersey worn by the offensive players and the white one worn by the defense. Though Dobbs isnt always exactly clear where on the field during practice he and his black jersey need to be. They actually made a schedule out for me and one of our guys goes around and he holds it, Dobbs said. But the coaches do a pretty good job of letting me know.Dobbs is not bragging when he says no one else in the 49ers camp has as much on his plate as he does. He is not complaining either. Dobbs has overcome difficult obstacles in his life to even get to the NFL, and hes not going to let any opportunity to improve his chances at a lengthy career slip by.Anything that I can do when somebody tells me Good job, thats when I enjoy it. Dobbs said. If I make a good block or I have a good catch or people are satisfied and impressed with what I do, that makes me feel good.