By Matthew Barrows – McClatchy Newspapers
SANTA CLARA, Calif.
Jim Harbaugh admits he was worried about his rookie class.
The lockout canceled the organized team activities and minicamps where newcomers could acclimate themselves to the NFL. Harbaugh wondered if the rookies would flounder during 49ers training camp, whether that would carry over into the exhibition season and if he would have to deliver some tough news on cut-down day.
“Maybe the light wouldn’t go on soon enough for them because they didn’t know what to do and maybe we would overlook a player that really had the potential to help our football team out,” Harbaugh said after Wednesday’s practice.
Entering Friday’s preseason opener in New Orleans, the coach’s fears have been allayed. He said his biggest surprise of training camp has been how quickly his rookies – including the undrafted free agents – have adapted to the NFL.
At the top of the class is quarterback Colin Kaepernick.
“Kap really is leading the way in that,” Harbaugh said of the second-round pick. “Of all the rookies, I think he is the most game-ready.”
Kaepernick, who is from Turlock, Calif., was the first rookie to move to the Bay Area after the draft, and he quickly joined the group of 49ers players who worked out at San Jose State. He stuck close to quarterback Alex Smith during the day and studied Harbaugh’s playbook every night.
The preparation paid off. The 49ers have yet to bring another veteran quarterback into training camp, reflecting how efficiently Kaepernick has operated the offense. The former Nevada standout also has been able to get plenty of repetitions and attention from the coaching staff.
Kaepernick likely will enter Friday’s game in the second quarter. Harbaugh said he intended to allow all four quarterbacks, including former Sacramento State passer McLeod Bethel-Thompson, to play against the Saints.
Goldson’s return – Safety Dashon Goldson was in uniform for the first time since agreeing to a one-year deal. He mostly observed practice from deep behind the defense but jumped in for two plays with the first team toward the end of practice.
Goldson cited the glut of free agents for why he didn’t get the multiyear deal he was expecting. He said the Patriots, whom he visited last weekend, made him an offer but that the 49ers’ coaches kept in touch with him throughout the process.
Two newcomers, Donte Whitner and Madieu Williams, figure to start at safety Friday.
“Every year you’ve got to prove yourself,” Goldson said. “They bring in talented guys every year. I was getting feedback from coaches that they were interested. Fortunately, they had their players and spent money to get that. But I had a lot of interest in me. (Patriots coach) Bill Belichick saw a lot in me and wanted me in, and there was an opportunity there. But like I said, I had to follow my heart.”
Et cetera – With Isaac Sopoaga out because of a hamstring injury, Ricky Jean Francois figures to start at nose tackle. Undrafted rookie Ian Williams will back him up.
Linebacker Larry Grant, whom the 49ers drafted in 2008 but cut later that year, is back with the team. He’s listed as the No. 2 “ted” linebacker behind NaVorro Bowman and in front of Scott McKillop.
Left guard Mike Iupati (arm) dressed for practice but did not participate in team drills. Tony Wragge and rookie Daniel Kilgore filled in.
