Goal Posts » Frank Gore

MT: Lattimore Inspired By Gore

Taylor Price — Fri, 17 May 2013 18:36:53 +0000

They’ve just started working together on the 49ers practice fields, but it seems like a perfect mentoring relationship between Frank Gore and Marcus Lattimore.

San Francisco’s four-time Pro Bowl running back and fourth-round pick are hitting it off just fine at 49ers offseason workouts. Although Lattimore is taking a calculated approach in rehabbing his well-documented knee injury, the South Carolina running back has been picking up constant information from Gore, San Francisco’s all-time leading rusher.

“He’s a very detailed guy,” Lattimore said via Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle. “You can see why he’s so successful.”

Lattimore and the 49ers are off on Friday. The rookie running back is with a few teammates at the NFL’s Rookie Premiere event in Los Angeles.

Gore and the veterans return to work on Monday. The veteran running back did make glowing statements about the incoming rookie to 49ers.com, too.

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee updates the latest with San Francisco’s Super Bowl L bid.

Pete Prisco of CBSSports.com raised questions for all 32 clubs this offseason.

49ers.com checked in with Carter Bykowski and Jewel Hampton.

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Still takin it easy long way till the season.. But I can't wait to be out there with my family again been too long—
Kyle Williams (@KyleWilliams_10) May 16, 2013

K-Dub Update

MT: 49ers Reach 90-Man Roster Limit

Taylor Price — Wed, 15 May 2013 17:57:07 +0000

Following a third week of “Football School,” the San Francisco 49ers will finish the month of May with two sets of Organized Team Activities (May 21-23, May 28-30).

Those voluntary workouts are expected to have a great turnout. The 49ers offseason program has been heavily attended every step of the way from many of the team’s veterans. Now, the rookie class can participate in the offseason schedule. With the signing of fullback Jason Schepler, the 49ers are at a 90-man roster.

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee analyzed San Francisco’s personnel and noted the holdovers from the 2012 NFC Champion squad. Wide receiver and inside linebacker are two positions with the most change heading into 2013.

More 49ers headlines and upcoming appearances can be found in today’s Morning Tailgate.

Kevin Lynch of the San Francisco Chronicle shared Patrick Willis’ latest shoe commercial.

Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle discussed Frank Gore’s production at the age of 30.

Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com shared insight on potential consulting candidates for the 49ers coaching staff.

Steve Corkran of the San Jose Mercury News noted that Colin Kaepernick will be featured in ESPN The Magazine’s “Body Issue.”

49ers.com checked in with Anthony Dixon and rookie tight end Vance McDonald.

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Don't miss my FREE summer football camp. Come train & complete w/elite athletes, Q&A sessions w/NFL Pros & giveaways! sprts.is/Camp—
Michael Crabtree (@KingCrab15) May 14, 2013

Morning Tailgate: Frank Gore Turns 30

Taylor Price — Tue, 14 May 2013 15:56:29 +0000

Happy Birthday Frank Gore.

The San Francisco 49ers all-time leader in carries (1,911), rushing yards (8,839) and rushing touchdowns (51) is coming off his fourth Pro Bowl season and has much to celebrate over the course of his eight successful seasons in the NFL.

Gore has rushed for more than 1,000 yards six times and had a hip fracture end his 2010 season after 11 games. He was on pace to surpass the 1,000-yard mark that year, too.

The 5-foot-9, 217-pound running back continues to prove doubters wrong. It started when he was a third-round pick in the 2005 NFL Draft and has continued all throughout his time with the 49ers. Gore’s 30th birthday should only serve as more motivation for the physical runner to continue his dominance.

According to Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com, Gore ranks 34th on the NFL’s all-time rushing chart with 8,839 yards. He is No. 3 on the active list behind Steven Jackson (10,135) and Adrian Peterson (8,849).

Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle discussed Marcus Lattimore’s eye-popping college stats.

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee looked at Colin Kaepernick’s durability as a dual-threat quarterback.

Maiocco covered B.J. Daniels’ versatility in rookie cmap.

Gregg Rosenthal of NFL.com offered 15 notes from rookie minicmaps.

NFL.com also posted the most memorable hairstyles in NFL history, Anthony Dixon made the list at No. 19.

49ers.com checked in with the team’s rookie tight ends and seventh-round cornerback Marcus Cooper.

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Just got announced today that I will be in the @Espn the mag body issue! #EspnUpfront #BodyIssue instagram.com/p/ZS5C6ytBAe/—
Colin Kaepernick (@Kaepernick7) May 14, 2013

All eyes on Kap.

MT: Harbaugh Trades Khakis for Denim

Taylor Price — Thu, 09 May 2013 18:38:13 +0000

Jim Harbaugh and Trent Baalke showed a sign of solidarity on Wednesday at the 49ers, Levi’s Brand pep rally.

Both of the key figures wore Levi’s jeans at the rally, so did their players (Patrick Willis, Frank Gore, Vernon Davis, Justin Smith and Colin Kaepernick).

It was especially unique to see the 49ers head coach wearing an all-denim outfit. Harbaugh is known for his everyday attire of khaki pants and a black microfleece top.

This day, however, was a special one for two iconic Bay Area brands.

Having the 49ers coach celebrate the moment with a fashion statement made it even more unique.

Ann Killion of the San Francisco Chronicle covered the potential partnership between the 49ers and Levi’s.

Mike Rosenberg of the San Jose Mercury News listed the top NFL naming rights deals.

Deborah Petersen of the San Jose Mercury News shared the reaction to the announcement.

Aarond Kuriloff of Bloomberg Businessweek discussed the stadium news.

Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle touched on Quinton Dial’s potential role with the 49ers.

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee previewed the upcoming rookie minicamp.

49ers.com provided a social recap of the stadium announcement and pep rally.

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Time to go to work!! instagram.com/p/ZFu49UJMz7/—
Eric Reid, Jr. (@E_Reid1) May 09, 2013

See you soon.

MT: Lattimore Compared to Frank Gore

Taylor Price — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 18:05:01 +0000

Both Frank Gore and Marcus Lattimore suffered multiple knee injuries in college. Both, however, are considered highly talented running backs, ones who have been known as explosive play-makers during their respective careers.

Gore stands as the San Francisco 49ers all-time leader in rushing yards, carries and rushing touchdowns. At 29, Gore is also coming off a Pro Bowl season, the fourth of his career.

Lattimore, the NCAA’s national freshman of the year in 2009, has yet to make a lasting career in the NFL. He’s still aiming to be drafted in 2013 after suffering his second major knee injury at the University of South Carolina.

However, the comparisons between the two are still easy to dissect.

Gore was a third-round draft pick by the 49ers in 2005 and proved to be a brilliant selection for San Francisco.

Lattimore, on the other hand, stands poised to follow in Gore’s footsteps. The two also developed a relationship last year. Thanks to 49ers cornerback Chris Culliver, a college teammate of Lattimore, the two were put in touch after the running back prospect tore all three major knee ligaments in his right knee against the University of Tennessee.

Lattimore later compared himself to Gore at the 2013 Scouting Combine.

“I feel like we both run hard,” Lattimore said. “He runs like nobody’s there. He runs with total destruction. I feel like if I could compare my game to anybody, it would be Frank Gore. He’s got low pads, he’s got great vision, he can see the whole field. Great balance.”

The comparisons between the two running backs continued this week in a recent episode of John Gruden’s Camp on ESPN.

The former NFL head coach asked Lattimore about both major knee injuries he suffered in college and how he’s been able to bounce back from the hardships.

“Anything that comes to me in life,” Lattimore began, “I feel like I’ve been through it all. Nothing can ever take the smile off my face because I’ll never take anything for granted again.”

Lattimore continued to detail the lessons he’s learned through rehab and why he’s pursuing a career in the NFL.

“I love football,” the South Carolina star told Gruden. “My kids they’re going to watch this one day and they’re going to see my dad never gave up.

“My story relates to everybody…Adversity introduces a man to himself.”

Gruden later commented that his father ribbed him for not drafting Gore back in 2005. When the 49ers running back broke a big run against a Gruden-coached Tampa Bay Buccaneers team, the elder Gruden immediately sent his son a text message with a reminder of his praise for Gore.

It remains to be seen where Lattimore gets drafted in 2013, but his story is one to watch come April 25, especially with how it compares to San Francisco’s own starting running back.

More NFL Draft and 49ers headlines can be found in today’s Morning Tailgate.

NFL.com offers mock draft selections for the 49ers from multiple analysts. Alabama NT Jesse Williams is a popular choice.

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee wondered if Cal wide receiver Keenan Allen will be available for the 49ers and also wrote about San Francisco watching a pro day for Oregon safety John Boyett.

Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle checked in with a story about Demarcus Dobb’s offseason rehab.

Branch also wondered if Pro Bowl guard Mike Iupati is next in line for a contract extension.

NewSantaClaraStadium.com covered the 49ers coaches taking a tour of the new stadium in Santa Clara and how to book your own tour of the future home of the 49ers.

49ers.com recapped CEO Jed York’s recent comments to NFL Network.

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https://twitter.com/NFL_AM/status/321998547530706945

Bravo, Joe.

Morning Tailgate: Gore Reaches Out

Taylor Price — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 14:14:30 +0000

INDIANAPOLIS – The 2013 NFL Scouting Combine is just about to begin. We’re all set in the media work room inside of Lucas Oil Stadium to cover the top college prospects for the next three days. First, 49ers General Manager Trent Baalke will speak with reporters as several GMs and head coaches will take turns talking to reporters this week. Jim Harbaugh will talk to the press on Friday.

As for players, it’ll be offensive linemen, tight ends and kickers talking with the press on Thursday. We’ll share some of their comments throughout the day, but first, let’s take a look at some of the top 49ers related headlines before the start of the NFL Scouting Combine.

Robert Klemko of USA TODAY Sports shared an interesting anecdote in a pre-combine story on South Carolina running back Marcus Lattimore. The injured star running back was given a lot of advice after suffering a second major injury to his knee, most notably from 49ers rushing king Frank Gore.

“By his count, about 15 NFL players who have suffered similar injuries have contacted him to offer encouragement and advice,” Klemko wrote. “San Francisco 49ers cornerback Chris Culliver, a former Gamecock, asked running back Frank Gore to call Lattimore.”

Gore dealt with knee injuries in college and was drafted in the third round back in 2005. Lattimore has been pegged as a third-rounder by many draft experts before the combine. Although Lattimore won’t be able to participate in drills, getting the opportunity to meet with coaches and NFL doctors this week will be crucial for him.

Bucky Brooks of NFL.com offered his latest mock draft.

Kevin Lynch of SFGate.com discussed the 49ers top five needs for the 2013 NFL Draft.

CBSSports.com shared a unique photo from Colin Kaepernick’s offseason workout sessions in Atlanta.

Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com shared his thoughts on how the 49ers should proceed with backup quarterback Alex Smith.

Alex Espinoza of 49ers.com offered a defensive preview for the 2013 Scouting Combine.

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Go to 49ers.com for Combine coverage throughout the day. Who do you want the #49ers to select this year? instagram.com/p/V_ncfCieoe/—
San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) February 21, 2013

Who’s ready?

2012 Plays of the Year: Touchdowns

Alex Espinoza — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 19:29:18 +0000

We need your help in selecting the top plays from the 2012 season. We’re asking our Faithful fans to choose the top takeaway, touchdown, sack, big play and biggest hit of the season. Next, the winning five plays (one from each category), will move on to the championship round to determine 49ers.com’s “Top Play of 2012.”

Watch our “Top 5” video highlights on the best plays for each category, then vote in the poll section of the corresponding blog post to see which top play will reach the championship.

Help us crown the top play of 2012 by choosing your favorite touchdown from this past season. You can vote for your favorite touchdown up until Monday at noon. Let’s take a look at the five nominees.

1. Randy Moss’ Monday Night TD vs. the Arizona Cardinals

Maybe the Cardinals thought he was going to run out of bounds, but Randy Moss had other ideas.

Facing a 3rd and 8 in the third quarter at Arizona in Week 8, Moss darted toward the left sideline on an out route before Alex Smith delivered a dart right into his hands. Moss ran up field and appeared to be headed to the left boundary, content with a first-down catch. But just before he reached the white line, Moss made two quick moves to the inside, leaving Cardinals cornerback Jamell Fleming and linebacker Paris Lenon in the dust.

Once he streaked down the sideline for the 46-yard touchdown, the veteran receiver was mobbed by his teammates as they pointed at the last name on his jersey for his trademark “Mossing” celebration. The score, one of his three regular season touchdowns on the year, made it 24-0 49ers en route to their 24-3 win on “Monday Night Football.”

2. Donte Whitner’s 42-yard INT Return vs. the New Orleans Saints

Donte Whitner may have suffered a knee bruise, but it was well worth it.

Ahmad Brooks had already given the 49ers a shot of energy with a 50-yard interception return of Drew Brees in the Week 12 matchup at New Orleans, but the defense wasn’t finished. With his team holding onto a 21-14 lead early in the second half, Whitner teamed up with his partner-in-crime, Dashon Goldson, to score San Francisco’s game-winner.

It started when Goldson upended Marques Colston, sending the receiver’s feet and the football skyward. It ended when Whitner leaped past the goal line and landed on his knee with the ball 42-yards later, as he was able to snatch it out of the air and follow a convoy of teammates into the end zone. The sequence displayed why the 49ers safety combo was voted to by the NFC’s starting tandem in the Pro Bowl.

3. Frank Gore’s Record-Breaker vs. the Arizona Cardinals

Joe Perry. Roger Craig. Frank Gore.

That’s the best of the best when you’re talking about 49ers running backs throughout the proud history of the franchise. Gore entered the Week 17 home matchup with Arizona as San Francisco’s all-time leader in rushing yards and attempts, but he was still tied with Perry and Craig for the all-time lead in touchdowns.

When Gore punched the ball in from 2 yards out in the third quarter to give the 49ers a 24-6 lead, he notched the 51st rushing touchdown of his career to surpass Perry and Craig. After the score, Gore showed his love for the 49ers Faithful by tossing the ball into the stands for one of the best souvenirs a fan can ask for.

Not only did the touchdown cement Gore’s place in 49ers history, but it helped the team claim the NFC West and the No. 2 seed on the final day of the regular season.

4. Michael Crabtree’s Game Winner vs. the New England Patriots

Not even a 28-point, second-half lead is safe in Foxboro. The 49ers know all too well.

Up 31-3 on the road against Tom Brady and the Patriots, San Francisco looked primed for a blowout victory against one of the NFL’s elite teams. But Brady showed why he’s a first-ballot Hall of Famer by rallying his team back to a tie game by the fourth quarter. In need of some serious momentum after the 49ers defense gave up a tying score, rookie LaMichael James rattled off a 62-yard kickoff return to put San Francisco in great field position.

Colin Kaepernick and Michael Crabtree took advantage, connecting on 38-yard touchdown that proved to be the game-winner in an entertaining 41-34, 49ers victory. Kaepernick threw a quick pass to Crabtree on a curl route in the left flat and the tough-minded wideout did the rest, spinning past one a defender and sprinting down the sideline for the score.

5. Kaepernick’s 56-yard TD Run vs. the Green Bay Packers

Erik Walden thought James had the ball, but he was wrong. The Green Bay defensive end was lined up against the right side of the 49ers offensive line in the third quarter, with the score knotted at 21 in the NFC Divisional Round.

Kaepernick kept the ball in James’ belly for a second, before pulling it back to himself and sprinting around Walden and down the right seam untouched for a 56-yard touchdown, thanks in part to a great downfield block by Ted Ginn Jr. By the time Bruce Miller engaged Walden near the line of scrimmage, Kaepernick was long gone to give the 49ers a 31-24 lead in the eventual 45-31 win in the final game of the season at Candlestick.

Kaepernick’s big run was the highlight of his record-setting evening, as he carried the ball 16 times for 181 yards and two touchdowns to post the highest single-game quarterback rushing total in league history. It also jumpstarted a 21-0 run by the 49ers to put the game out of reach.

UPDATE: Congratulations to Colin Kaepernick for winning with more than 77 percent of the vote!

Thanks for voting on the #49ers top TD of 2012. @Kaepernick7's 56-yard TD run won with over 77% of the vote. instagram.com/p/V5L4HhieiU/—
San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) February 19, 2013

Morning Tailgate: Feb. 5

Alex Espinoza — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 19:43:31 +0000

The 49ers were back at the team headquarters in Santa Clara again on Tuesday for the last time as a team. A full range of emotions were on display from the players, who were sad to be together for the final time but happy with the winning foundation set by the team in the past couple of seasons.

Tim Kawakami of the Bay Area News Group wrote that the 49ers are built to make more Super Bowl runs in the future.

“Coach Jim Harbaugh, Kaepernick and the rest did not fulfill their apparent destiny this time; they had every opportunity, and they came up short for now, just as they came up short against the New York Giants a round earlier last season,” Kawakami wrote. “(And, yes, this means the 49ers have had their seasons ended by the eventual champions the past two years.) But Harbaugh, Kaepernick, Gore & Co. should have several more chances together. They were built to have many chances, all stemming from Kaepernick, who started his 10th NFL game Sunday and almost fashioned the greatest comeback victory in Super Bowl history.”

The rest of today’s Morning Tailgate wraps up the best 49ers headlines from Super Bowl Sunday.

Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com looked at the 49ers coming up just short of the win.

Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle passed along comments from the 49ers, who believe they will be back on the Super Bowl stage.

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee recapped the first Super Bowl loss in franchise history.

Cam Inman of the Bay Area News Group said the 49ers are poised to build on the Super Bowl loss.

Peter King of Sports Illustrated took an extended look at the Super Bowl in his latest Monday Morning QB column.

Ray Ratto CSNBayArea.com wrote that the 49ers hurt themselves with early mistakes.

Monte Poole of Bay Area News Group shared the sentiments of Jim and John Harbaugh after their brotherly duel.

Jim Trotter of Sports Illustrated examined the final 49ers drive of the Super Bowl.

Mike Sando of ESPN.com broke down the 49ers’ bid to win the Super Bowl that just fell short.

Rembert Browne of Grantland.com offered a candid look at his Super Bowl week experience.

Ann Killion of the San Francisco Chronicle and Kawakami spotlighted Kaepernick’s performance in the Super Bowl.

Scott Ostler of the San Francisco Chronicle looks ahead to the future of Kaepernick.

Alex Pavlovic of the Bay Area News Group and Barrows featured Frank Gore’s reaction to the Super Bowl loss.

Hulu.com offered a look back at Super Bowl commercials.

Maiocco passed along comments from Ravens coach John Harbaugh about the 49ers.

Killion wrote that Jim and John will likely never watch the Super Bowl together down the road.

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Sorry we couldn't pull it off. We wanted everyone to be champions! But I promise you we want stop until we are W-champions again someday!—
Patrick willis (@PatrickWillis52) February 04, 2013

They’ll be back.

Morning Tailgate: Jan. 29

Taylor Price — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 13:47:56 +0000

NEW ORLEANS – Good morning, it’s Media Day at Super Bowl XLVII. If the San Francisco 49ers thought they’d been a part of a media swarm before, Tuesday’s annual media day will crush that in comparison.

Thousands of credentialed reporters will get their chance to speak with the 49ers Tuesday morning in the Superdome. It should be quiet the scene compared to Monday’s media session which can be viewed in this 49ers.com photo gallery.

Only a handful of players have spoken to the press so far, but the entire team, plus coaches, will be available. It should make for quite the day, 49ers.com will have it all covered LIVE. That’s right, LIVE.

Visit 49ers.com/live during Media Day at Super Bowl XLVII for unprecedented access to the 49ers.

Cam Inman of the San Jose Mercury News wrote about the 49ers improvements since the last time they faced Baltimore.

Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle shared how Jim Harbaugh helped his father in a time of need.

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee explained which team awards were won by the Smiths, Justin and Aldon.

Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com shared insight on Randy Moss’ leadership to teammates and also reviewed Anthony Davis’ blocking matchup against Paul Kruger.

Ron Kroichick of the San Francisco Chronicle spoke with Saints linebacker Jon Vilma about former teammate Frank Gore

Jerry McDonald of the Bay Area News Group profiled 49ers Pro Bowl guard Mike Iupati.

Dennis Dillon of SI.com reviewed how the Harbaugh brothers have dealt with Super Bowl media attention thus far.

49ers.com shared Aldon Smith’s comments on being named team MVP, a look at Frank Gore’s determination to win, as well as transcripts from offensive and defensive players.

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NOLA showing love! #Niners #SuperBowl http://t.co/6o0IBLYr—
Vernon Davis (@VernonDavis85) January 29, 2013

Who’s got it better than us?

Morning Tailgate: Jan. 28

Alex Espinoza — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 20:18:43 +0000

NEW ORLEANS – The 49ers touched down in New Orleans on Sunday and greeted the national media in the Big Easy before getting preparations underway for Super Bowl XLVII. Jim Harbaugh and a few of the team’s biggest leaders addressed reporters on Sunday night, discussing the franchise’s sixth Super Bowl run.

Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com broke down the trip for the 49ers and compared it to the two trips to Youngstown, Ohio, that the team has taken in the regular season since Harbaugh took over as coach.

“But the 49ers’ week-long stay at the site of Super Bowl XLVII is bringing back memories of the road trips the club has taken the past two years during the regular season,” Maiocco wrote. “Yes, there will be a lot more media and hype surrounding the 49ers’ game Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens, but it is also a time for the team to focus on football — just as they’ve done in Youngstown on week-long trips.”

The rest of today’s Morning Tailgate features more 49ers arrival news and more.

Matt Barrows of Sacramento Bee also wrote that the 49ers are treating this trip like the Youngstown business trip.

Ray Ratto of CSNBayArea.com discussed the rich franchise history of the 49ers.

Mark Purdy of the Bay Area News Group examined the 49ers upon their arrival to the Big Easy.

Cam Inman of the Bay Area News Group wrote that Harbaugh is happy with his team’s focus.

Joe Cortez of the Modesto Bee shared comments from Colin Kaepernick’s family.

Inman spoke to Hall of Famer Joe Montana, who said he expects the 49ers to win.

Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle examined Harbaugh’s relationship with his father Jack.

NFL.com shared a video of Jack Harbaugh discussing the impact of Muhammad Ali on the Harbaugh family.

Jerry McDonald of the Bay Area News Group profiled Mike Iupati and LaMichael James.

Maiocco chronicled Frank Gore’s journey through life to the Super Bowl.

Joe Davidson of the Sacramento Bee spoke to former 49ers front office exec John McVay.

Maiocco shared comments from former 49ers coach George Seifert.

49ers.com’s coverage included a look at the team’s arrival, a social media recap, a photo gallery and press passes from Kaepernick, Justin Smith, Joe Staley, Dashon Goldson and Patrick Willis and offensive and defensive player transcripts.

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Good morning world. Time to lift some weights. Everyone have a perfect day!—
Joe Staley (@jstaley74) January 28, 2013

Joe Staley is up and at ‘em.