Offensive coordinator Greg Roman joined the KNBR Morning Show on Wednesday to discuss the ever-changing 49ers offense, a unit which has added a number of talented weapons this offseason.

For Roman and the 49ers coaching staff, this offseason signals the first opportunity for the coaches and players to start at “square one” so to speak.

An emphasis on fundamentals has been prevalent in the team’s offseason workouts. Roman said the position coaches put together lists of tiny details each player can improve on prior to the 2012 season.

Nonetheless, Roman has been impressed with the work ethic displayed by his players.

“Guys are really pushing each other to get better at what they do,” said the coordinator who guided San Francisco to being the league’s eighth-best rushing attack in 2011, averaging 127.8 yards per game.

Roman began his interview by describing what the players would be going through on a Wednesday in the team’s Football School sessions. The coordinator said the players start to fill the parking lots early in the morning so they can do individual things like watch film or get treatment. Later in the day, the players begin an organized schedule which includes weight lifting with the team’s strength staff, football meetings at 11 a.m., on-field work and occasional conditioning work.

“Guys are really taking advantage of it,” Roman said. “It’s our first offseason here and it’s great to have this time with the players.”

Roman was asked about the emphasis Alex Smith has put on his quarterbacking mechanics this offseason. Roman said he applauded the 49ers quarterback’s decision to work with Tom House, a longtime pitching coach who’s worked with a number of high-profile clients which include Super Bowl-winning quarterbacks Tom Brady and Drew Brees.

“It’s a great example of somebody doing something at a high level and trying to get better,” Roman said of Smith. “There were a few little things he was able to take from it and he’ll apply it because Alex is such a sharp guy.”

Motion and efficiency of motion are some of the things Smith has sharpened since his time working with House, and as Roman pointed out, “It’s a great time in the year for quarterbacks to focus on their mechanics. Once 11-man football starts, there are too many other things to be thinking about.”

Asked to comment the other quarterbacks on the 49ers roster, Roman said he was pleased with the competitiveness between Smith, Colin Kaepernick, Josh Johnson and Scott Tolzien.

“We’ve got four quarterbacks that are competing to get better every day and it’s exciting,” Roman said.

Besides quarterbacks, Morning Show host Brian Murphy wanted to know about the wide receiver additions to the offense, most notably Randy Moss and rookie first-round pick A.J. Jenkins.

Roman said he’s liked what he’s seen from both players in the brief time they’ve been working together.

“I’m starting to see what a smart football player he is,” Roman said of Moss. “Love the energy that he brings. So far I think he’s done a marvelous job.”

As for Jenkins, the OC sees his young perimeter weapon adapting just fine in his early days as an NFL player. Being around players like Moss, Mario Manningham and Michael Crabtree doesn’t seem to be changing Jenkins’ mindset.

“I don’t think he’s overwhelmed, I think he’s looking at this like it’s a chance to be around successful players,” Roman said. “I’m sure those guys will take him under their wings and try to elevate his game.

“It’s a really good situation for everybody, but for A.J. Jenkins in particular.”

In closing, Roman discussed a few more 49ers rookies, second-round pick LaMichael James and undrafted Stanford wideout Chris Owusu.

Roman said the Oregon running back, the same one he faced in college while coaching for Stanford, plays bigger than his 5-foot-9, 195-pound frame.

“He’s got a very unique skill set,” Roman said. “He has a very low center of gravity which is a positive. He’s a tough player and he’s shown that. He’s got a lot to learn on this level, but so far so good.”

As for Owusu, Roman said the Stanford wideout has a leg up from knowing the basics of the 49ers offensive system.

“Chris is a really good football player. Obviously, he’s fast,” Roman said. “He comes in understanding our system, there are some changes, but he’s a guy definitely to keep an eye on in the preseason.”

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO ROMAN’S FULL KNBR INTERVIEW.

In the final week of phase two of the San Francisco 49ers offseason program, rookies have mixed in with the veterans out on the team’s Santa Clara practice fields.

“I want to soak up all the knowledge from the vets, that’s the best thing you can do,” undrafted rookie running back Jewel Hampton told 49ers.com on Monday. “I want to learn the playbook so you can perform out on the field and move up to potentially join the roster.”

Hampton, is one of many youthful running backs looking to pick up wisdom from all-time 49ers rushing leader Frank Gore, who posted his fifth, 1,000-yard rushing season in 2011.

Despite Gore’s impressive production in Greg Roman’s power-running attack (Gore became first running back in team history to post five consecutive 100-yard rushing games), one 49ers beat writer sees the 29-year-old running back facing the most challenging season out of all players on San Francisco’s roster.

More on Gore’s backfield competition and the latest 49ers headlines can be found after the jump.

ESPN.com NFC West blogger Mike Sando selects Gore as the 49ers player facing the most challenging season because of the team’s recent backfield additions: second-round pick LaMichael James and veteran Brandon Jacobs. Even so, that doesn’t mean Gore won’t rise to the occasion according to Sando, who writes, “It’s possible Gore will defy the odds for older backs, putting together another robust season. He’ll continue to benefit from playing within one of the NFL’s best running schemes.”

Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com outlines the three phases of the team’s offseason program which has the veterans and rookies workthing together for the first time this offseason. Maiocco on phase two: “This phase began April 30 and runs through this week. All coaches are permitted on the field. The workouts may include individual player instruction and drills. Offense, defense and special teams work can be conducted “against air” — or no opposing unit on the field. There can be no live contact and no one-on-one competitions.”

Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News writes that two 49ers will be named on the NFL Network’s “Top 100: Players of 2012” list. Inman speculates on who will be named on Wednesday’s show that’ll announce the players listed 61^st to 70^th, beginning at 5 p.m.

Tania Ganguli of The Florida-Time Union checked in with 49ers rookie and Jacksonville native A.J. Jenkins over the weekend to share insight on how the Illinois wide receiver’s life has changed since being selected No. 30 overall. Ganguli: “The day after the 49ers drafted Jenkins with the 30th pick, Jerry Rice followed him on Twitter and Jenkins wondered if he was dreaming. Within a week Rice began talking of taking Jenkins to the famous 2 1/2-mile hill to which 49ers veterans introduced him way back when he was a rookie.”

SI.com offers a photo gallery of this year’s top picks, including a photo of Jenkins from 49ers rookie minicamp.

Lastly, Aldon Smith continues to progress at 49ers Football School and shared insight on his drumming hobby.

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Time to go to work says cornerback Tarell Brown.

49ers football school workouts received a jolt of energy on Monday as the 49ers rookies joined the veterans.

“There were a lot of bodies and a bunch of eager people ready to get in there and learn,” said three-year veteran Kyle Williams. “It’s always refreshing when you get some guys that are ready to work hard and this means everything to them. It was good to get them out there today.”

The only member of the 2012 draft class who could not attend was running back LaMichael James, who must wait until Oregon’s graduation before joining his 49ers teammates.

Offensive lineman Jason Slowey got plenty of reps at center as the rookies were able to build on what they learned during their three-day minicamp.

“It was a little less strenuous not having the helmets on and everything,” Slowey said after the non-padded workout. “It was more about mental reps and seeing how the veterans do it, learning little tips here and there.”

Slowey shadowed center Daniel Kilgore, who mentored the rookie during Monday’s drills.

“Kilgore has been a really good influence, helping me to pick up the calls,” Slowey said. “It’s a big help to have the veterans around and I don’t have to try to figure stuff out by myself.”

Undrafted free agent running back Jewel Hampton also benefited from the presence of the veterans, especially fellow Southern Illinois Saluki, Brandon Jacobs.

“I want to soak up all the knowledge from the vets, that’s the best thing you can do,” Hampton said eagerly. “I want to learn the playbook so you can perform out on the field and move up to potentially join the roster.”

After putting together a career year in 2011 and leading the 49ers to overtime of the NFC Championship game, Alex Smith is looking for ways to get to the next level. The San Francisco signal-caller thought outside the box this offseason and trained with a baseball man, Tom House, down in Southern California to work on his throwing mechanics.

House has previously worked with other NFL quarterbacks like Tom Brady and Drew Brees and San Francisco Giants southpaw Barry Zito. Aside from being a renowned pitching coach and sports psychologist, House is also famous for catching Hank Aaron’s record-breaking 715th career home run on the fly in the Atlanta Braves bullpen in 1974.

But Smith is now in Santa Clara with the rest of his teammates getting ready for the 2012 season. This weekend, the 49ers welcomed in their newest rookie class and dozens of other free agents for the team’s three-day rookie minicamp. That and more can be found after the jump.

Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle spoke to House about his relationship with Smith and the work they did this offseason. Branch: “On the recommendation of Brees, Smith spent a week with House in late March at the Rod Dedeaux Research and Baseball Institute at USC along with Brady, Raiders quarterback Carson Palmer and the Chiefs’ Matt Cassel.”

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee detailed the strong relationship LaMichael James had with his late grandmother and how it helped him survive a rough neighborhood in Texarkana, Texas. Barrows:  “Everyone knew Betty James as ‘Madea,’ the name African American families often give their matriarch. She raised LaMichael, sister Tasha Galloway and a cousin in a modest wood house that was a sanctuary to any family member – anyone in the community, really – who had fallen on tough times.”

Barrows also discussed the fast-paced workouts Jim Harbaugh used to initiate his 2012 rookie class. Barrows: “The opening practice of Jim Harbaugh’s three-day rookie minicamp was a grueling affair designed to acclimate the incoming crop of players to the pace of practice when the full squad assembles later this month.”

Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com says the 49ers crop of rookie receivers looks promising. Maiocco: “(Chris) Owusu ran some nice routes and looked at ease catching passes from “tryout” quarterbacks Jeff Fleming (Sacramento State) and Tavita Pritchard (Stanford). Owusu juked cornerback Gabe Derricks (San Diego, tryout) on a slant to get wide open in the afternoon session. A few moments later, he worked open to catch a pass against Anthony Mosley (Kentucky).”

Maiocco also breaks down the 49ers offseason program as they head into the final week of Football School. Maiocco: “On Monday, many of the rookies are eligible to join the 49ers’ workouts full time. But players, such as Oregon’s LaMichael James and the Stanford players, whose schools have later graduation dates, are not allowed to begin working out at the 49ers’ practice facility for another month.”

Al Saracevic of the San Francisco Chronicle described his impressions of the 49ers rookie class while also sharing Ronnie Lott  will take part in the new Pac-12 Network’s TV coverage this fall. Saracevic: “Ronnie Lott and Rick Neuheisel behind the mike. That’s what football fans will hear during the Pac-12 Network’s inaugural voyage this fall. Lott sounds particularly enthusiastic about his new TV gig, calling it a ‘dream come true.’”

Mike Sando of ESPN.com assesses the 49ers offseason. Sando: “The positives outweigh the negatives. The team used free agency to address immediate needs at low cost (Randy Moss, Mario Manningham) while using the draft to build for the longer term (A.J. Jenkins, LaMichael James, Joe Looney). “

TWEET ABOUT IT

It looks like second-round pick LaMichael James is adjusting well to the NFL lifestyle.

In 2010 there was an Iupati at 49ers rookie camp. The same can be said in 2012.

Three years ago it was left guard Mike Iupati making his NFL debut as one of San Francisco’s two first-round selections. This time around, Iupati’s younger brother, Andrew, is trying out to make the 49ers.

Andrew Iupati is one of several players trying out during San Francisco’s three-day rookie minicamp. The 6-foot-1, 286-pound Humboldt State product, who transferred from the University of Oregon, just might be the most notable name in the bunch.

Unlike his brother, Andrew Iupati lines up on the defensive side of the ball as an interior lineman.

That being said, it didn’t stop the 49ers Pro Bowl alternate guard from giving his young brother words of wisdom prior to his tryout.

“I’d tell him to just keep working hard,” Mike Iupati said at the conclusion of this week’s voluntary Football School sessions on Thursday. “Can’t really say anything other than just go out and dominate.”

On Friday, the elder Iupati was at team headquarters once again to work out, and to take a sneak peak at how little brother was fairing.

“It feels great,” commented Andrew on having his brother’s support. “It’s a really good feeling.”

The Iupati brothers haven’t been on the same team since their time at Anaheim’s Western High School, but that doesn’t mean they haven’t been following each other’s games. Whenever Andrew had the time last season, he’d make sure to watch 49ers games.

“Now I have a favorite team to watch,” he said.

“I couldn’t wait to get out there,” said the team’s sixth-round selection No. 180 overall. “Last night, I really couldn’t sleep.”

If the Michigan State safety felt sluggish the night before, he certainly didn’t show it in the first of two rookie minicamp sessions held on Friday. With one of the first drills being a kickoff period, Robinson, the 5-foot-10, 195 pounder looked impressive while covering kicks.

“For me, I’ve just wanted to get back to this, get back into the flow of things,” said the two-time All-Big Ten honoree. “It’s been hard, but we’re back now, so it’s good.”

Robinson said he’s got plenty of work left to do, mostly getting an understanding of Vic Fangio’s entire defense. It’s killing Robinson not fully knowing the playbook.

At Michigan State, Robinson took extreme pride in lining up his fellow defensive teammates and understanding the complete defensive playbook.

“I knew our defense in and out, knew what was going on all the time,” Robinson explained. “It’s a transition when you get into a new system. You’ve got to learn what you need to do on every single play.”

Robinson knows he has more studying to do, but for now he takes satisfaction that he’s surrounded by great people, including Michigan State tight end Garrett Celek, an undrafted free agent picked up by San Francisco.

“It’s a great feeling,” Robinson said. “If I want to talk somebody, I’m comfortable with him, he’s a Spartan dog. Also, the rest of the guys who I’ve been meeting out here have been pretty good guys, stand-up guys. We all have the same dream so we’re not getting in anyone’s way of making their dream come true.”

For undrafted players like Celek, having any type of added comfort while competing for a roster spot is certainly welcomed.

“I came in nervous because I don’t know anybody right away but Trent,” shared Celek, who started 12 games for the Spartans and caught 14 passes for 135 yards and three touchdowns. “We’re good buddies, so it made the transition really easy.”

The Spartan duo will look to lean on each other throughout the weekend with four more practices still left on the schedule.

“They’re throwing a lot of stuff at us really fast, it’s hard, but I enjoy football,” Celek added. “Just being around everybody all the players and the coaches, it’s a real good time.”

Jason Slowey must have left quite a first impression on 49ers general manager Trent Baalke during an All-Star showcase this offseason.

After finishing up his four-year career as a tackle at Division II Western Oregon University, Slowey moved to center during the Players All-Star Classic in Little Rock, Ark., in February. While he was there, the 49ers sixth-round pick had a lengthy conversation with Baalke about life and football.

So when Slowey, six other fellow draft picks and dozens of free agents and tryouts took the field for the first time on Friday during rookie minicamp, Slowey found himself snapping the ball at center.

“It’s an adjustment, that’s for sure,” Slowey said after the morning session. “It’s not left tackle at Division II anymore. I made a lot of progress today. I started out a little rough, a little shaky – putting some balls on the ground – but towards the end I started to get a hang of it a little more. I felt more comfortable so I’m looking forward to going out there this afternoon.”

Center may have been Slowey’s first position with the 49ers but it might not be his last. Following the first practice session with his new crop of rookies, head coach Jim Harbaugh said the organization will assess Slowey’s best possible position throughout the offseason.

“We don’t know what his best position is,” Harbaugh said. “That’s why we’re out here. We’re going to find out what all these guys’ best position is and who’s better at each position.”

Even though Slowey got his hands on the 49ers playbook last night, he could only pick up a few basics. After Friday’s initial offensive install, Slowey said he has plenty to learn.

“Our plays at Western were like three words,” Slowey said with a laugh. “The verbiage is pretty different and a lot more demanding, but I’m picking it up. I was a pretty good student and that shouldn’t be much of an issue.”

While at the small school in Monmouth, Ore., Slowey also crossed paths with minicamp tryout Andrew Iupati, the younger brother of left guard Mike Iupati. For Slowey, the quick transition from relative obscurity to the NFL is still processing.

“It’s pretty surreal, man,” Slowey said. “I forgot I had all the 49ers stuff on. I took off my helmet after practice and just looked at it. I forgot I didn’t have a white face mask anymore. It’s crazy.”

As for the 49ers other offensive line pick, Joe Looney, who was selected out of Wake Forest in the fourth round, he could only watch from the sidelines as he rehabs from a foot injury. Looney spent most of his afternoon watching the plays with reserve center Chase Beeler.

Within seconds of the conclusion of the 2012 NFL Draft, the 49ers were calling rookie free agent Chris Owusu. Coach Jim Harbaugh and many of his Stanford coaching staff transplants were already dialed in with the talented receiver after having coached him in college.

For now, Owusu finds himself on a stacked depth chart that’s full of talented receivers. Starting Friday, Owusu will join seven 49ers draft picks and dozens of other rookies and tryouts for a three-day minicamp.

“It definitely helps that I played for Coach Harbaugh at Stanford and coming out here, hopefully the playbook is a little similar,” Owusu said. “Knowing the concepts going into rookie minicamp is going to be huge for me just to go out there and play fast because that’s what Coach Harbaugh expects from me – to go all-out and play fast like he knows I can.”

Owusu can certainly play fast. During the NFL Scouting Combine, the 6-foot, 196-pound Owusu ran the 40-yard dash in 4.36 seconds, tied for the second-fastest time overall. In four seasons at Stanford, Owusu had 102 catches for 1,534 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Having played under Harbaugh and followed his jump to the NFL, Owusu is very familiar with the 49ers. He also got to enjoy Thursday’s lunch with former Stanford teammate and current 49ers tight end Konrad Reuland.

“I know a lot about the team,” Owusu said. “They’re right here in San Francisco and being at Stanford you hear a lot of publicity about them and deservedly so. Last year, especially under Coach Harbaugh, they bought into his philosophy of playing hard with an all-out, blue-collar mentality. That’s what I expect to come out here and bring to the table.”

Even though minicamp will be something of a crash course – five practices in three days – Owusu said he’s looking forward to soaking in the NFL experience.

“It feels good to start another chapter and I’m excited to be here in the 49ers facility and just get everything started,” Owusu said. “It’s about what you put into it, honestly. Just got to go out here and try to set a name for yourself in front of all the coaches and do what you know how to do and that’s play football. “

Just as 49ers rookie minicamp begins, there’s plenty of headlines stemming from Thursday’s veteran Football School workout worthy of examination.

It was the first look at Randy Moss for the Bay Area media, and many in attendance were left impressed with the quick footwork, precise route-running and sure-handed pass-catching from the veteran widedout.

After the workout, Moss’ teammates raved about his early contributions to the team, too. Besides serving as a mentor to the team’s young receivers, Moss has already picked up a good grasp on the team’s offensive concepts according to quarterback Alex Smith.

More on the 49ers Football School session and the latest team headlines after the jump.

Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News was one of the on-lookers impressed with Moss’ Thursday performance. Inman: “Thursday marked the media’s first access to view on-field workouts, and Moss did not disappoint. That goes for how he interacted with teammates such as Crabtree, as well as the long-striding, sure-handed form that’s helped him tally the second-most touchdown catches in NFL history behind Jerry Rice.”

Inman also shares the comments of Smith, who worked this summer with a former pitching coach to help his quarterbacking mechanics. Inman: “Smith said Thursday he worked on his throwing motion earlier this offseason in Southern California with pitching coach Tom House, who Smith was referred to by New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees. House pitched in the major leagues in the 1970s and also worked recently with another San Diego-bred product, Giants pitcher Barry Zito.”

ESPN NFL analyst Herm Edwards shared his feelings on Moss’ potential production in a recent SportsCenter appearance. Edwards: “I think you’re going to see an energetic Randy Moss. He understands he’s on a pretty good football team.”

Kevin Lynch of SFGate.com chimes in on Moss’ workout which included a long touchdown grab from Smith. Lynch: “Moss did nothing to greatly impress in the short workout the 49ers conducted Thursday. In this second phase of off-season workouts teams can’t scrimmage and defensive backs can’t cover wide receivers. Nevertheless, when Moss caught a 50-yard bomb from Alex Smith, a ripple went through the media.”

Eric Branch of The San Francisco Chronicle shares the comments from offensive lineman Alex Boone, who is competing for the 49ers starting right guard position. Branch: “Boone will have to overcome two obstacles to win the job. At 6-foot-8 and 303 pounds, he’s both lighter and taller than a typical guard. Boone hopes to add about 20 pounds while working on his technique.”

Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com previews this weekend’s upcoming rookie minicamp. Maiocco: “All the 49ers’ rookies, along with some players invited to attend the camp as a tryout, will be in attendance, as the team is paced through five practices in three days. Think of it as a 49ers 101 crash course.”

Chris Burke of SI.com lists Stanford wideout Chris Owusu as San Francisco’s top undrafted newcomer. Burke: “In Owusu, the 49ers are getting a wide receiver with explosive, big-play potential (4.33 40, 40 1/2-inch vertical), but also one who suffered three concussions in a 13-month span. If Owusu can stay healthy, he could be a terrific addition.”

Burke also breaks down the game tape of first-round pick A.J. Jenkins and compares the Illinois wideout to Baltimore Ravens wideout Torrey Smith, a rookie who became a big contributor on last year’s Ravens offense. Burke: “He may find himself asked to carve out a niche like the one Baltimore’s Torrey Smith did in his rookie season. The two receivers carry similar size (Smith is 6-1, 205; Jenkins 6-1, 190), and both thrive while stretching the field. Smith averaged 16.8 yards per catch (50 for 841 yards) in 2011.”

Doug Farrar of Yahoo’s Shutdown Corner Blog shares the comments from Greg Cosell of NFL Films who’s well respected for his game film analysis. Cosell shared his thoughts on Jenkins in a recent Shutdown Corner podcast appearance: “When he was drafted and I went back and looked at my notes, I wasn’t surprised [that he was taken in the first round.] To me, he’s a complete receiver. You saw him run short routes, intermediate routes, vertical routes … you saw him make catches in traffic, and there was quickness and fluidity to his movement.”

TWEET ABOUT IT

Sounds like Jenkins is ready to get his NFL career started.

Donte Whitner knows what Randy Moss can bring to the table all too well.

Whitner matched up against Moss for three seasons when the two were AFC East foes on the Buffalo Bills and New England Patriots, respectively. Out of those six contests, Whitner singled out one play during “Monday Night Football” to describe how dangerous Moss can be on a football field.

“Perry Fewell, who’s with the New York Giants now as defensive coordinator, came up with some defense that he thought was going to confuse Tom Brady,” Whitner recalled. “On third and long, we had only two men rushing. Tom Brady stood back there for about 10 seconds and threw an 80-yard touchdown strike in the air. That’s what I remember and we scrapped that defense right after the play.”

Those types of moments were common throughout Moss’ career and Whitner has seen several defensive coordinators look foolish trying to stop him along the way.

“I know what he can do on the football field,” Whitner said. “I know the types of things defenses try to do against him and a lot of stuff doesn’t work.”

Whitner said the biggest challenge for defensive backs can be judging Moss’ speed. At 6-foot-4, Moss tends to take long strides, which make it appear like he’s running slower.

“It’s very deceptive for a safety when you have a guy who’s a long strider,” Whitner said. “As a safety, when you have a guy with that skill level and the things that he can do going up and getting the football, it really makes you nervous.”

Whitner said Moss has already been a positive influence on some of the 49ers younger receivers. The 49ers safety has been working out in the morning group with Moss and Michael Crabtree, who often partner up during drills.

“Whenever you’re doing something where you need a partner, they’re always together,” Whitner said. “They compliment each other on what they’re doing and they compete against each other. They’ve been competing since I walked in. They talk a little smack to each other here and there, but that’s just the competitive nature of two really good football players. They’re going to make each other a lot better.”