Balmer won't let money go to his head

SANTA CLARA — Although he said he was nearly brought to tears a couple of times Thursday while signing his multimillion-dollar contract, 49ers rookie defensive lineman Kentwan Balmer is determined to remain the same.

The 49ers’ first-round draft pick stood in front of four members of the Bay Area media wearing a plain white T-shirt that was adorned in unsightly brown stains. Balmer said he has owned the shirt for a couple of years.

“Just because you have money doesn’t mean you need to spend money,” he said.

Balmer became the last 49ers draft pick to sign when he agreed to a five-year, $8 million contract that includes nearly $6 million in guaranteed money, according to an NFL source.

Balmer and all of his teammates showed up on time to training camp Thursday. The 49ers’ first practice is scheduled for this morning.

The competition that everyone will be watching is at quarterback between Alex Smith and Shaun Hill.

Coach Mike Nolan, offensive coordinator Mike Martz, quarterbacks coach Ted Tollner and general manager Scot McCloughan will ultimately collaborate to determine the winner, Nolan said.

Smith reported to the team’s offices early Thursday for a meeting.

He was seen carrying a thick binder that contains the secrets of Martz’s offense.

“You have to be a good decision maker,” Smith said when asked what it’ll take to win the job.

“And when it comes to physical things, you have to be accurate and make plays. Decision-making is a big part of this offense to figure it out.”

Smith and Hill are in good health after finishing last season unable to play because of injuries.

Smith said he will continue to do “maintenance work” to keep his right shoulder in condition. He underwent season-ending surgery in December to repair a separated throwing shoulder. He took part in the entire offseason program.

Hill underwent offseason surgery to repair a broken index finger on his throwing hand. He also practiced without any restrictions through the minicamp and organized team activities.

In other news, the 49ers and Raiders have agreed to hold two joint practices Aug. 4 in Napa.

The practices will be closed to the public. The teams open the exhibition season against each other Aug. 8 in Oakland.

“This is an opportunity to work against some unfamiliar faces,” Nolan said.

“Players sometimes become comfortable with the level of competition during training camp. This gives us the opportunity to raise that level and learn more about ourselves both individually and collectively.”

Balmer, a life-long 49ers fan despite growing up in North Carolina, already experienced a couple thrills on his first day under contract. He met retired 49ers defensive lineman Bryant Young, who was visiting the team’s offices.

“He is a polite guy — great guy,” Balmer said. “I didn’t know he knew who I was. I wanted to hug him and jump on him, ‘That’s Bryant Young!’ He was a real cool guy. We got a chance to talk and I’m going to talk to him every chance I get.”

Balmer took part in all the 49ers’ offseason work, lining up primarily at left defensive end. But he said he really got no sense of where he fits into the team because all the practices to this point have been non-contact.

“I’m ready to go and work hard,” he said.

Balmer was chosen with the No. 29 overall selection in the draft after a breakout senior season at North Carolina. He recorded 3.5 sacks his final season in college, but thrives against the run.

You can reach Staff Writer Matt Maiocco at 521-5492 or matt.maiocco@

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