Hill had been taking the first-team snaps through the offseason program up to this point.
* * *
The competition continues at all positions, including the cornerback job opposite Nate Clements. Newly added veteran Dre' Bly was not promised anything, Singletary said. "Everybody is competing," he said. "He knew that coming in. He's a competitor." Bly will compete against Tarell Brown and Shawntae Spencer.
Right tackle is another spot where competition will take place. Veteran newcomer Marvel Smith has been taking part in only individual work after experiencing back problems the past two seasons. His main competition is Adam Snyder.
* * *
The 49ers held practice this morning during their mandatory minicamp. Every player on the 49ers' roster is accounted for. Most are practicing. Only Michael Crabtree (foot), Arnaz Battle (foot), Ray McDonald (knee), Walt Harris (knee), Shawntae Spencer (knee) and Clements (pneumonia) are not taking part in the practices.
Clements will be evaluated on Monday to determine whether he can return to practice during organized team activities.
Crabtree is scheduled to step on the field to practice for the first time when the 49ers open training camp, most likely on July 30. Singletary said he does not want Crabtree to do anything that might lead to a setback before then.
"I don't even want to try to get him out there," Singletary said. "I want him to do everything he's supposed to do, so when it's time to go, he's ready to go. I want him to stay with Jerry Sullivan as much as he can. When (receivers coach) Jerry Sullivan goes to sleep, I want him to have to tell Crabtree to get out."
* * *
Singletary said he was excited about the prospect of the 49ers and
"As far as I'm concerned, we'll play on the street," Singletary said. "As long as the other team is willing to show up, we're going to show up. It would be great to have a new stadium to play in. The fans deserve it. The city deserves it. The players deserve it - well, we will deserve it."
* * *
Defensive lineman Kentwan Balmer, who had a less-than promising rookie season, is a player Singletary has been raving about. Singletary said he tried to keep the veterans away from the minicamp after the draft that was designed for rookies and first-year players. "He was the only veteran I could not run off," Singletary said.
Singletary said he spoke with Balmer's defensive line coach at
* * *
Center Cody Wallace, who did not suit up for a game last season after the 49ers spent a fourth-round pick on him last year, is seeing some action at guard. In order for Wallace to serve as a backup on game days, he will need to show the versatility to play the guard positions.
* * *
Here's confirmation that the following players have legitimate Twitter accounts: Joe Staley, Takeo Spikes, Kory Sheets, Vernon Davis, Nate Clements, Ricky Jean-Francois and Dominique Zeigler. Oh, yeah, this guy's account is real, too. But the 49ers say such accounts belonging to Michael Crabtree, Frank Gore and Patrick Willis are not legit.
* * *
Sing is already sending a not so subtle message to Crabtree, who was looking a bit bored during OTA's the other week. Good news about Wallace, tho we now have 3 OG/OC center types in Heitmann, Wallace, and Wragge.
Matt- I seem to remember reading a report from you about Manny Lawson reporting overweight. The quote from him was he couldn't help it because he liked eating sweets. Where is that post? I can't seem to find it.
Thakns
Yep, great news about Balmer and Wallace both. I hope Crabtree gets the messages, although I really do think the Prima Donna label is misguided. He seems like someone who is just uncomfortable in the spotlight - Mike Florio (Pro Football Talk) just has a bone to pick with him, I think. Mike Leach would not have been so adamant in his rebuttal of Mangini's comments if he didn't feel strongly about Crabtree's personality.
Tell Zeigler to unprotect his updates, man. I'm curious what's so private he has to hide it from us, his border-line stalker fans.
Question: Matt- I seem to remember reading a report from you about Manny Lawson reporting overweight. The quote from him was he couldn't help it because he liked eating sweets. Where is that post?
My response: I reported that Lawson bulked up, not that he reported overweight. It was a designed thing. He believes he'll have a better chance to be more effective rushing the passer if he added weight. --Matt M.
Sing is telling Crabtree not to start practicing too soon in case he re-injures his foot - what's the hidden message in that ?
Florio is a total shit that deliberately writes inflammatory comments to generate page hits and $$ for himself. He was stirring up racial hatred against Tim Brown until his sponsors told him to cut it out.
Hi Matt,
As things start right now who are the top backups at OT and OG? Is Snyder now completely focused at OT and Wragge is the top backup at OG? Or will Snyder be the top backup again at all spots if Marvel Smith wins the RT job? I realize this will probably work itself out in training camp. Just wondering if you have seen any indication on how it will be.
Ok Matt, I must have been reading about someone else. Thanks for the twitter accounts. I'd been meaning to ask you about that too.
Comment: Tell Zeigler to unprotect his updates, man. I'm curious what's so private he has to hide it from us, his border-line stalker fans.
My response: Honestly, I don't think Zeigler's updates are intended for all audiences. --Matt M.
Thanks for the Twitter info MM - After seeing the "followers" on Zeigler's Tweed page I thought I might have made my way onto the Craig'sList adult entertainment section. HA HA HA.
"But toward the end of last season, he said he began to understand why 49ers general manager Scot McCloughan selected Balmer at the end of the first round"
......love to know more about this..
Comment: But toward the end of last season, he said he began to understand why 49ers general manager Scot McCloughan selected Balmer at the end of the first round" ......love to know more about this..
My response: He meant that Balmer was so raw at the beginning of the year, but then later in the season Singletary saw the improvement Balmer was making. He started believe Balmer was going to be a good player. --Matt M.
"The coach also noted - and this is significant - that Balmer has worked out with Justin Smith all offseason. Smith is a relentless worker both on the field and in the weight room."
......now its starting to make sense......
Hey Matt, Love the Blog, but how can you throw out that Alex Smith took reps with the first team and write nothing about how he did???? Thanks in advance! --Aaron M.