My Dawg In The NFL

[DoggyStyle82]

Nice article on one of my young protege's from the Notorious Nu chapter. Good shyt Dawg!!!!

New recruit taking advantage of 49ers' experience

August 3, 2003


By MATT MAIOCCO
THE PRESS DEMOCRAT


SAN JOSE -- Defensive tackle Anthony Adams, the 49ers' second-round draft pick, is taking full advantage of the perks that come along with going up against established NFL offensive linemen every day in practice.

Adams said he has found during his time with the 49ers that the team is a close fraternity. Offensive linemen are quick with advice for defensive linemen, and even players who are in competition will freely share information.


"The 49ers and the staff are so classy," Adams said. "There are no ego problems. Once you're on the team, it's a family. It reminds me a lot of Penn State and Joe Pa (longtime coach Joe Paterno).


"I've been through this. I am in a fraternity."


Adams joined the Omega Psi Phi fraternity his sophomore year at Penn State. His commitment has included subjecting himself to four brands -- one to both upper arms, one to his chest and one where he sits.


"The one on the butt really hurt," Adams said. "You don't realize how sensitive your butt is until you have that much heat put on it."


Fortunately for the 49ers, they drafted a motivated player who does not require the coaching staff to light a fire under him.


Niners coach Dennis Erickson said he saw remarkable improvement from Adams last week when he was forced into additional practice time because of Flanigan's injury. Defensive line coach Dan Quinn agrees, crediting it in part to the experience of going up against Pro Bowl-caliber players during every practice.


Adams figures prominently in the 49ers' plans for their rotation at defensive tackle. Adams, Flanigan and Josh Shaw are working at the nose tackle spot, while Bryant Young, Travis Kirschke and Dwight Johnson are working primarily at the other tackle spot.


"He's starting to feel more comfortable," Quinn said of Adams. "He doesn't have to think so much when a call is made. He has a little more of an understanding, so he can just let it flow. With Jim out, he's getting more turns. It's an opportunity for him to get in there and play against some really good players."