Colin Kaepernick keeps building his understanding of the 49ers offense at the team’s Organized Team Activities. Off the field, Kaepernick is growing his marketing appeal.

Months removed from a Super Bowl appearance, the 49ers quarterback has been racking up endorsement deals. Kaepernick’s commercial appeal was the recent subject of a Forbes.com piece.

Kaepernick, however, is not mixing publicity with football. The 49ers quarterback has been “sharp” this offseason according to his coach, Jim Harbaugh.

“He’s been really strong,” the 49ers coach told reporters on Wednesday. “Running the offense, throwing the ball extremely well. He’s in great physical shape with a total command of the offense.”

Kevin Lynch of the San Francisco Chronicle shared six ramifications of Michael Crabtree’s injury.

Cam Inman of the San Jose Mercury News offered OTA notes.

Steve Corkran of the San Jose Mercury News shared Harbaugh’s outlook at being involved with the Indy 500.

Rael Enteen of CSNBayArea.com discussed Quinton Patton’s comments on Crabtree and Kaepernick.

49ers.com recapped the OTA workout open to the media, Harbaugh’s comments on Crabtree, plus caught up with second-year running back LaMichael James.

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I go hard for my friends family and fans, just felt like I let everybody down.. But I'll be back ready!! I promise! #yungcrab—
Michael Crabtree (@KingCrab15) May 22, 2013

Stronger than you think.

It’s the first football activity the San Francisco 49ers can hold in 2013. Voluntary offseason conditioning work begins today at team headquarters in Santa Clara.

In Phase One of the offseason program, the 49ers will hold two weeks of conditioning work under the supervision of the team’s strength and conditioning staff.

When the two weeks have passed, Phase Two of the program will allow coaches on the field to work on drills with the players before the start of 10 days of offseason team activities (OTAs) and minicamps to be held in May and June.

The first OTA sessions will be held on May 21-23, May 28-30 and June 3-6.

A rookie minicamp will be held after the 2013 NFL Draft. Rookies, however, must finish their spring semester or fourth quarter of school before participating in the OTA sessions with veteran teammates. Last offseason, second-round pick LaMichael James had to finish school at Oregon before taking part in offseason workouts with the 49ers.

More headlines can be found in today’s Morning Tailgate.

Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com previewed San Francisco’s potential interest in this year’s draft-eligible specialists.

Albert Breer of NFL.com tweeted the 49ers have begun negotiating a contract extension with Pro Bowl guard Mike Iupati.

Cam Inman of the San Jose Mercury News shared Joe Montana’s Twitter comments on the Masters scoring controversy.

Charean Williams of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram caught up with new 49ers quarterback Colt McCoy.

Peter King of SI.com offered the latest draft rumors in his Monday Morning Quarterback column.

Mexico faces Peru in an international soccer match this Wednesday at Candlestick Park.

49ers.com’s “49 in 49” series finished up “Best of the Rest” week with profiles on Cincinnati tight end Travis Kelce and Louisiana Tech wide receiver Quinton Patton.

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RT @JerryRice: Only a few days left to vote! Keep voting guys! #MaddenCoverVote ht.ly/k4UGr—
San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) April 15, 2013

Help Jerry out.

For the next seven days, 49ers.com will continue profiling the most compelling prospects available in the 2013 NFL Draft as part of our “49 in 49″ series.

Next up, the Pac-12’s talent comes into focus. Seven prospects from the conference will be featured, including a son of a former San Francisco 49ers Pro Bowler.

The Pac-12 enjoyed another competitive season led by a pair of 12-win teams, Stanford and Oregon, who finished No. 7 and No. 2 in the AP’s Top 25 rankings, respectively.

Oregon State also finished in the Top 25, a 9-4 record allowed the Beavers to claim the No. 20 overall ranking.

In 2012, San Francisco notably picked multi-dimensional Oregon running back LaMichael James with the 61st overall selection in the second-round of the NFL Draft.

James came on strong late in the regular season as a backup running back and kickoff return man. James averaged 4.6 yards per carry in the regular season and scored his first career rushing touchdown in San Francisco’s NFC title game victory over the Atlanta Falcons.

Jim Harbaugh, the former Stanford head coach, was well aware of James’ talents from competing against the former Oregon standout in college. In 2013, Harbaugh remains ahead of the curve when it comes to evaluating Pac-12 talent. He’s directly coached, competed against and in some cases recruited many of the top West Coast prospects available in this year’s draft.

Which Pac-12 talent would you like to see in a 49ers uniform next season? Leave your thoughts in the comment section at the bottom of this post.

It looks like the Pac-12 conference has a good idea on who the 49ers should draft in April.

@49ers All of them?—
Pac-12 Conference (@pac12) March 18, 2013

The closing moments of Super Bowl XLVII will sit in the hearts and minds of the 49ers Faithful throughout the offseason, but it doesn’t take away from San Francisco’s remarkable season nor does it diminish the team’s comeback effort against the Baltimore Ravens.

In examining the game tape twice, Sports Illustrated’s Peter King uncovered several intriguing aspects of the 49ers offensive performance. He also spoke with offensive coordinator Greg Roman to find out his take on the final four offensive plays of the game.

“This is what I found amazing about what the tape revealed,” King wrote. “On the first 13 offensive snaps for San Francisco, Roman dialed up 13 different alignments using 12 different combinations of running backs, wide receivers and tight ends.

“In those 13 plays, Roman had four wide receivers in the game, four running backs (two running backs, two fullbacks) and four tight ends. On the fifth play of the game, a no-back look, he spread three receivers left and two to the right, with a fullback (Bruce Miller) and running back (LaMichael James) split the furthest; (Colin) Kaepernick hit (Michael) Crabtree, running from the left slot, on a 19-yard incut.

“On the very next snap, Roman dialed up something Walter Camp invented 140 years ago, the T formation. Kaepernick lined up under center, with three backs tight together behind him — Gore to the left, fullback Walter Tukuafu in the middle, and fullback Miller to the right. None went in motion. (Frank) Gore powered ahead for no gain into the teeth of the Ravens’ D. Win some, lose some.”

King noted that the 49ers had Kaepernick in the Pistol formation 51 times and under center nine plays. King counted 13 plays in the read-option scheme and 47 snaps without Kaepernick playing option football.

Roman discussed the final four plays and the disappointing result with King.

“I’ll use it as motivation going forward,” the 49ers offensive coordinator told King. “To dwell on something that’s over is so utterly pointless. Anytime you make a call and the play doesn’t work, you think of another play that might have worked. We had a valiant effort, a great comeback, and it wasn’t enough. That’s life. It’s the game we love, the highs, the lows. But it doesn’t take away from what we did this year, and how excited I’m going to be to coach these guys next year.”

ProFootballFocus.com listed the 49ers offensive line as the No. 1 unit in football. San Francisco’s line ranked No. 20 in 2011.

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee offered a list of the 49ers biggest draft needs starting with finding help on the defensive line.

Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com answered fan questions centering on the 49ers offseason trade options.

Pete Prisco of CBSSports.com wondered if the 49ers will fall victim to a Super Bowl hangover. Prisco noted the last team to lose a Super Bowl and make it back the next season was  the Buffalo Bills in 1993.

Daniel Jeremiah of NFL.com picked West Virginia wide receiver Tavon Austin as the 49ers draft choice at pick No. 31 in his recent mock draft.

Rob Rang of CBSSports.com had the 49ers selecting Jonathan Cooper, guard out of North Carolina.

Russ Lande of NationalFootballPost.com took Alabama defensive tackle Jesse Williams the 49ers choice at 31.

49ers.com shared A.J. Jenkins’ comments on exit day. Last year’s first-round pick is eager to expand his role on the 49ers offense.

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Back at home….. Vacation ain't really an option for me! Lets work instagr.am/p/Vo97kWNBGg/—
Colin Kaepernick (@Kaepernick7) February 12, 2013

Lead by example.

As the 49ers make their Quest for Six, it’s appropriate to remember the central figures who were behind previous five Super Bowls in franchise history. Along with former owner Eddie DeBartolo Jr., coach Bill Walsh was the face of the 49ers as they became one of the NFL’s most storied organizations.

Walsh, who was also a friend and mentor to Jim Harbaugh, has left his fingerprints all over the league. From his teachings of the West Coast Offense to his impressive coaching tree of former assistants who have shaped the NFL over the years, Walsh will always be remembered as one of the sport’s greatest innovators.

Seth Wickersham of ESPN the Magazine detailed Walsh’s legacy and how a book written by Walsh captures the coach’s dedication to his craft.

“Walsh began writing alone at his beach house in Monterey, Calif., always at 8 a.m., on yellow legal pads, in pencil, in all caps, his penmanship so clean that it could be its own font,” Wickersham wrote. “He would tear off sheets and stack them neatly in piles on the floor. This was in 1995, and Walsh didn’t know what kind of book he wanted. A leadership guide? A playbook? A coaching manual? A blueprint for front offices? Walsh told (Roger) Craig he wanted it to be a ‘real football book,’ not some light autobiography, waxing poetic about Super Bowls and Montana-to-Rice touchdown passes. He wanted his first book to motivate coaches, not delight fans.”

The 49ers would also like to announce that the Silicon Valley Animal Control Authority is offering a Super Bowl special on pet adoptions. Select cats can be adopted for $4 and select dogs can be adopted for $9.

The rest of today’s Morning Tailgate also features the latest Super Bowl headlines, Patrick Willis’ strong relationship with his foster family, a historical look at the biggest games in 49ers postseason history and more.

Erik Brady of USA Today discussed the impact of Chris and Julie Finley on Willis’ life.

Mike Silver of Yahoo! Sports listed the top 16 non-Super Bowl games in 49ers history.

Ann Killion of the San Francisco Chronicle noted the loyalty of the Harbaugh family after Thursday’s conference call.

Ray Ratto of CSNBayArea.com invented the word “Harbaughtastic” when discussing the Harbaugh family leading up to the Super Bowl.

Peter Hartlaub of the San Francisco Chronicle spoke to 49ers Faithful fan Terry White, who has been to all five 49ers Super Bowl wins.

Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle discussed Jonathan Goodwin’s role on the team as a quiet leader.

Mark Emmons and Daniel Brown of the Bay Area News Group broke down the Harbaugh family conference call.

Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com spoke to DeBartolo about his role in 49ers history and his statue that will be placed at the new Santa Clara Stadium.

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee noted how Willis selected his jersey No. 52.

Mike Sando of ESPN.com examined NaVorro Bowman’s big pass breakup in the NFC Championship.

Cam Inman of the Bay Area News group passed along comments from Colin Kaepernick about adding to the rich history of the 49ers and speaking with Joe Montana and Steve Young.

Inman wrote that Harbaugh called into John Madden’s radio show.

Maiocco wrote about 49ers running back Anthony Dixon’s role in the offense.

Rael Enteen of CSNBayArea.com discussed the patience of running back LaMichael James.

J. Michael of CSNBaltimore.com wrote that Dennis Dixon will be playing the role of Kaepernick for Baltimore’s scout team.

Steve Corkran of the Bay Area News Group shared comments from offensive coordinator Greg Roman on Kaepernick and the 2011 49ers-Ravens game.

49ers.com’s coverage included a look at Dan Marino’s thoughts on Kaepernick, James, Vic Fangio’s return to New Orleans. We also brought you the Harbaugh family conference call (audio / transcript) press passes from Roman (video / transcript), Willis and Kaepernick (transcript) and Alex Boone’s visit with NFL Network.

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To honor the #49ers march to #SB47, SVACA is adopting select cats for $4 and select dogs for $9 facebook.com/media/set/?set… http://t.co/rU03TkFq—
49ers Community (@49ersCommunity) January 25, 2013

Help out the furry 49ers Faithful.

For most running backs in the NFL, their production starts to dip as they approach their 30th birthday. But 49ers rushing king Frank Gore isn’t like most running backs.

The franchise’s all-time leader in yards, touchdowns and carries is still a workhorse in the backfield at the age of 29. Last week against the Packers, the eight-year veteran ran for 119 yards, joining Colin Kaepernick (181 rushing yards) and Michael Crabtree (119 yards receiving) as the only trio in NFL playoff history to feature two, 100-yard rushers and a 100-yard receiver on the same team.

Jim Trotter of Sports Illustrated traced Gore’s career and his ability to bounce back from devastating injuries and still be one of the game’s most productive backs.

“His resiliency is largely due to genetics and toughness, but there is an ample dose of passion in the recipe,” Trotter wrote. “It might not be as public as a Ray Lewis pre-game dance or speech, but it’s obvious behind the closed doors of the locker room, where the soft-spoken 5-foot-9, 217-pound veteran has been known to cry at his locker after losses, or on the practice field, where during training camp in 2007 coaches had to hide his helmet because he kept sneaking onto to the practice field despite having a broken hand.”

Do you want to see the NFC Championship game in Atlanta? 49ers Faithful have until Noon today to enter to win a trip to Atlanta that includes airfare, lodging and game tickets.

Today’s Morning Tailgate also focuses on Colin Kaepernick in the national spotlight, NFC Championship matchups to watch and more.

Sam Farmer of the Los Angeles Times spoke to Kaepernick’s older brother, Kyle, about his kid brother’s success.

Jeffery Chadiha of ESPN.com said Jim Harbaugh’s decision to start Kaepernick will pay big dividends for the 49ers.

Demian Bulwa of the San Francisco Chronicle spoke to Kaepernick’s father, Rick, about the family’s reaction to Colin’s success.

Nate Stuhlbarg of CSNBayArea.com labeled Kaepernick as a new breed of NFL quarterback.

Cam Inman of the Bay Area News Group discussed Kaepernick’s ability to bounce back from interceptions.

Josh Dubow of the Associated Press focused on Kaepernick’s role in bringing the Pistol offense to the NFL.

John Parolin of ESPN Stats and Info took a statistical look at Kaepernick’s impact.

NFL.com gives you a behind-the-scenes look of the 49ers-Packers game with the NFL Network show Sound FX.

Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com discussed Harbaugh’s tactic of placing high school rankings above the players’ lockers.

Evan Silva of RotoWorld.com took a look at three key matchups for both conference championships.

Sports Illustrated put together a photo gallery of 10 storylines to follow this weekend.

Ray Ratto of CSNBayArea.com discussed the possibility of a HarBowl in the Super Bowl.

Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle wrote about Greg Roman’s ability to keep the opposing defense guessing.

Maiocco analyzed the upcoming chess match between Roman and Falcons defensive coordinator Mike Nolan.

Maiocco and Branch passed along comments from Justin Smith regarding the brace on his left arm.

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee examined the athletic 49ers offensive line.

Sports Illustrated looked ahead to the possible role of Vernon Davis and how he could expose the Falcons defense.

Mike Sando and Pat Yasinskas of ESPN.com went back and forth discussing the 49ers-Falcons matchup.

Farmer previewed the NFC Championship between San Francisco and Atlanta.

Matt Kawahara of the Sacramento Bee noted the players’ mindset entering the second straight NFC Title game.

Kevin Lynch of the San Francisco Chronicle spoke to LaMichael James about Chip Kelly entering the NFL coaching ranks.

49ers.com’s coverage included a look at Harbaugh’s motivational tactics, Justin Smith’s toughness, Kaepernick’s ability to stay calm under pressure, Andy Lee’s return to the South and Jonathan Goodwin’s role on the athletic o-line. We also brought you a look at the 49ers entering the field, Jim Harbaugh’s press conference (video / transcript), along with Kaepernick, Smith and Willis.

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Happy to announce the Honorary Captains for the #49ers this weekend: Eddie DeBartolo Jr., Charles Haley, & Bryant Young. #CantonBoundNiners—
Jed York (@JedYork) January 17, 2013

That’s a good group of 49ers.

Looking for an unsung hero on the San Francisco 49ers defense? Look no further than sixth-year cornerback Tarell Brown.

The 5-foot-10, 193-pound cornerback continues to be one of the key contributors on a 49ers defense that stands one win away from reaching the franchise’s sixth Super Bowl.

Brown recorded a career-high 59 tackles in the regular season to go with 14 pass breakups and two interceptions.

Quietly, Brown has come up big all season for the 49ers. The fundamentally-sound defensive back intercepted a pass in San Francisco’s Week 17 win and followed it up two weeks later with an impressive interception in the 45-31 Divisional Playoff win over the Green Bay Packers.

For a second consecutive postseason, Brown turned in a key interception.

Brown’s efforts, however, aren’t going unnoticed. ProFootballFocus.com reviewed the 49ers dominant victory over the Packers and singled out Brown’s performance. According to PFF, Brown was thrown against on four different occasions by Green Bay’s high-powered passing attack. In the end, Brown allowed two receptions for 16 yards. His interception, a quality over-the-shoulder reception of a deep Aaron Rodgers throw, was also returned 39 yards.

With the NFC title game just around the corner, the 49ers defensive back will be counted on once more against Atlanta’s impressive passing arsenal.

Jason Cole of Yahoo! Sports wrote a compelling feature story on Colin Kaepernick

Sam Farmer of the Los Angeles Times shared details on Jim Harbaugh’s latest motivational tactic involving high school photos.

Cam Inman of the San Jose Mercury News looked at the comments of safety Donte Whitner who sees a better 49ers team entering this year’s NFC title game.

Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com continued his matchup series with a look at Patrick Willis’ challenge of covering Tony Gonzalez.

Maiocco also shared a transcript from former 49ers coach Mike Nolan, Atlanta’s defensive coordinator.

Ron Kroichick of the San Francisco Chronicle wrote about the striking contrast between Kaepernick and Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan.

Mark Purdy of the San Jose Mercury News examined Atlanta’s challenge of defending Kaepernick.

Tim Kawakami of the San Jose Mercury News caught up with CEO Jed York to discuss his social media presence on Twitter.

CSNBayArea.com recently aired this video on a Los Angeles Bar being filled with 49ers Faithful watching the win over Green Bay.

49ers.com caught up with Vernon Davis to discuss the upcoming NFC title game, plus looked at LaMichael James’ confidence towards big games and the defense matching up with another elite quarterback.

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Work work work work—
TWHITNER (@DonteWhitner) January 16, 2013

In case you were wondering.

It’s been nearly four months since the 49ers kicked off the 2012 season with a 30-22 victory against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. By virtue of their 24-10 victory over Minnesota on Saturday, the Packers are headed to Candlestick for the 5 p.m. PT Saturday kickoff against the 49ers in the NFC Divisional Round.

Aaron Rodgers led Green Bay to an 11-5 record and the NFC North title in the regular season, earning the No. 3 seed in the postseason. The 49ers and Packers and no strangers to each other in the playoffs. Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com took a look back at the rich postseason history between the two proud franchises over the years.

“When the third-seeded Green Bay Packers visit Candlestick Park on Saturday to face the No. 2 seed 49ers, it’ll be their sixth postseason meeting,” Maiocco wrote. “But it’ll be the first time Chico native Aaron Rodgers has played in San Francisco in his career. And it’ll be the first playoff appearance for Colin Kaepernick.”

The rest of today’s Morning Tailgate looks ahead to the playoff matchup with the Pack as the 49ers open their Quest for Six.

Cam Inman of the Bay Area News Group previewed the 49ers-Packers.

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee examined Colin Kaeperinck’s role heading into his first postseason game.

Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle looked ahead to the weekend and passed along comments from Rodgers about Kaepernick.

Peter King of Sports Illustrated named Ahmad Brooks, Anthony Davis, Dashon Goldson and Mike Iupati to his 2012 All-Pro team.

Ann Killion of the San Francisco Chronicle wrote about Rodgers’ upcoming first visit to Candlestick Park.

Maiocco discussed the Week 1 rematch between San Francisco and Green Bay.

Inman looked at how the 49ers have fared against Rodgers in the past.

Branch examined the differences between both teams since their Week 1 contest.

Mike Sando highlighted five storylines to keep an eye on this weekend.

Sando looked at the NFC rankings on offense and defense heading into the postseason.

Branch and Maiocco discussed the playoff potential of Vernon Davis.

Vic Ketchman of Packers.com analyzed the changes in the 49ers and Packers since Week 1.

LaMichael James was one of 11 rookies to be profiled in Gatorade’s season-long Everything to Prove video series.

Branch discussed Greg Roman’s ties to other football personnel throughout the league that attended John Carroll University.

Maiocco spoke to LB Parys Haralson, who is recovering from a triceps injury that kept him out of the entire 2012 season.

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Each day this week, we'll have a new step in the #49ers #QuestforSix. Visit 49ers.com/questforsix for more information.—
San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) January 07, 2013

Have you joined the #QuestforSix?

A 42-13 loss at Seattle moved the 49ers’ record to 10-4-1 on the season, but San Francisco still leads the NFC West heading into the regular-season finale against Arizona. 49ers Public Relations presents the following game notes from the Week 16 matchup.

Delanie Gets in the End Zone

• TE Delanie Walker caught an 18-yd. TD pass from QB Colin Kaepernick in the 4^th qtr., giving him 3 rec. TDs this season and 8 for his career. He finished the game with 4 recepts. for 54 yds. Walker’s 3 rec. TDs this season tied a career high (3 – 2011).

Rookie Highs:

• Rookie RB LaMichael James amassed a career-high 201 total yds. (172 returns, 15 rushing, 14 receiving).
• Rookie TE Garrett Celek notched a career-high with 2 recepts. for 41 yds., including a career-long 35-yd. recept.

Willis Picks Off Wilson:

• LB Patrick Willis notched his 2^nd INT of the season and 7^th of his career, as he picked off Seahawks QB Russell Wilson in the 2^nd quarter.

 Ice Storm:

• DT Isaac Sopoaga brought down Seahawks QB Russell Wilson for his 1^st sack of the season.

 Lee Nails Down the Coffin Corner:

• P Andy Lee dropped 1 punt inside the 20 at Sea. He now has tallied 35 punts downed inside the 20 this season, his 2^nd highest single-season total (42 in 2007).

Akers 2^nd for NFL FG Streak:

• With 2 FGs at Sea., K David Akers has now made at least 1 FG in 32 consecutive games, dating back to 1/2/11 vs. Dal., as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles. He now owns the 2^nd longest streak of consecutive games scoring a field goal in NFL history.

Long Distance Akers:

• K David Akers nailed a 54-yd. FG right before halftime. It was his 9^th FG from at least 50-yds. as a member of the 49ers, the 2^nd most 50-plus yd. FGs in 49ers history (K Joe Nedney – 10). It also marked Akers’ 24^th career 50-plus yd. FG, which ranks 4^th among all active kickers.

Making His Debut:

• LB Cam Johnson made his NFL debut.

Extending Their Streaks:

• TE/LS Brian Jennings has now played in 207 consecutive games.
• TE Vernon Davis has now started 90 consecutive games, which ranks 3^rd in the NFL among TEs behind Tony Gonzalez (100) and Jason Witten (98).
• C Jonathan Goodwin has now started 69 consecutive games, the 5^th most among centers.
• K David Akers has now played in 120 consecutive NFL games, the 3^rd most in the NFL among kickers.
• P Andy Lee played has played in 143 consecutive NFL games, 3^rd most among NFL punters.