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Training Camp Report: Aug. 15

Special guests were welcomed to Wednesday’s 49ers Training Camp presented by HP. The first 50 members of the team’s Women’s Fan Club, “The Faithfulistas,” were the special VIP guests for practice.

Following the two and a half four practice, players and coaches signed autographs for the Faithful fans, who applauded their efforts throughout the session.

As for the practice itself, the defense returned to its dominant ways. Cornerbacks Tarell Brown and Chris Culliver looked especially sharp on the day. The team’s other top cornerback Carlos Rogers rekindled his blossoming rivalry with Michael Crabtree.

Let’s take a look at the top highlights from Wednesday’s evening practice.

-In one-one-one wide receiver-defensive back drills, Colin Kaepernick got the drill off to a strong start finding Mario Manningham 30 yards down the field on a stop-and-go route against cornerback Tramaine Brock. Later, Alex Smith connected on a deep sideline route with first-round pick A.J. Jenkins, who demonstrated excellent body control to reach back in front of Deante’ Purvis body to make the catch.

-The marquee matchup was between Rogers and Crabtree and it didn’t disappoint. Both standout players clashed immediately at the line of scrimmage when the Pro Bowl cornerback demonstrated an excellent jam at the line. Crabtree, however, brushed Rogers aside and beat him down the right sideline to catch a 25-yard rope from Smith.

-In a goal line team period that featured the second-team offense against the starting defense, Kaepernick executed a nice play-action fake and then proceeded to find tight end Kyle Nelson for a 3-yard score. Donte Whitner applied a hit on Nelson as he came down with the ball, but the backup long snapper maintained possession and got both feet inbounds. When the first-team offense got the ball, Frank Gore scored on back-to-back inside runs.

-In another goal line period, Rock Cartwright and Brandon Jacobs scored on short touchdown runs. Smith also completed a short touchdown to Konrad Reuland.

-In a short-yardage team period, the first-team offense had Parys Harlason and Eric Bakhtiari lined up at left and right outside linebacker, respectively. Starters Aldon Smith and Ahmad Brooks remained out of practice.

-In a one-minute offense drill that pitted both first-team units for the offense and defense, Culliver’s third-down pass breakup on Smith’s deep sideline pass for Manningham ended the drive. It’s worth noting, Crabtree lined up in the slot and Manningham and Ted Ginn Jr. lined up wide. The second-team offense scored a field goal on their drive thanks to a tremendous downfield catch by A.J. Jenkins. The offense, however, was flagged twice for false starts and eventually settled for a 45-yard field goal from rookie placekicker Giorgio Tavecchio.

-In a midfield 7-on-7 period, Brown recorded back-to-back pass breakups on Scott Tolzien thrown passes.

-In a red zone split period, Culliver broke up a Smith pass intended for Crabtree near the front right pylon.

-The third-team offense and defense squared off in a live, move-the-ball period. Ben Hannula stood out the most, when the first-year wide receiver broke several tackles on a 20-yard reception.

-In the final team period of practice, Josh Johnson was picked off by rookie cornerback Anthony Mosley. Smith completed his best throw of the day, a 40-yard touchdown to Vernon Davis down the right sideline. Safety Darcel McBath intercepted a Johnson pass deep down the middle of the field as well.

-The best play of the day was turned in by Manningham in the final team period. Despite having his left arm held by Purvis, the wide receiver caught a 20-yard rope from Kaepernick, and did so only with his right arm free to make a reception.