49ers, Singletary welcome problem kids

<p>SANTA CLARA — The 49ers took calculated gambles with a handful of talented rookies who hit the practice field Friday for the first time with the team.</p><p>One player, defensive end Ricky Jean-Francois of LSU, was considered a third-round talent who lasted until the seventh round of the draft because, well, he simply rubs some people the wrong way.</p><p>Two other players — Purdue running back Kory Sheets and Ohio State offensive tackle Alex Boone — definitely have the talent to make NFL rosters. But Sheets’ rapport with his former coaching staff appears to be the reason he did not get drafted. Boone is seen as a character risk after his second alcohol-related arrest three months ago.</p><p>“None of these guys caught us by surprise,” 49ers coach Mike Singletary said. “Some of them have their issues. I think the most important thing for us to do is make sure that we continue to develop the structure for them to come in and have some programs — have some things in place for some of these guys to have some issues.</p><p>“They are good kids.”</p><p>Acquiring those players is seen as a low-risk, high-reward proposition. The 49ers will not have much money invested in Jean-Francois, Sheets and Boone, so they are on short leashes.</p><p>The process of putting their pasts behind them began Friday, as 47 men — mostly rookies and first-year players — took part in the 49ers’ minicamp.</p><p>Boone, a 6-foot-7, 328-pounder, has an NFL body. But he nearly threw away his chance at a pro career while he was in Southern California training for the NFL combine. Aliso Viejo police allege Boone, in a drunken rage, jumped on car hoods and tried to smash the window of a tow truck before he was Tasered twice and subdued.</p><p>It was Boone’s second alcohol-related arrest. He was convicted of drunk driving in April 2006 after a car accident.</p><p>When asked what steps he’s taken to deal with his issue, Boone said, “Just staying away from it and knowing I don’t need it right now. I’m here to make the team, hopefully, and it’s all behind me.”</p><p>Jean-Francois and Sheets got into trouble with their mouths. Jean-Francois created a national story in October, saying he and his teammates were looking to take Florida quarterback Tim Tebow out of their upcoming game.</p><p>Jean-Francois’ draft stock most likely plummeted because he talks too much for his own good.</p><p>“A lot of teams grilled me on my personality,” Jean-Francois said. “I’m a straightforward person. ... I’m not going to bite my tongue.”</p><p>Jean-Francois said he was excited to learn the 49ers selected him because he believes he will be able to co-exist famously with Singletary, who also is not shy about voicing his opinion.</p><p>“I knew I ran into a coach that has the same personality as me: straightforward,” Jean-Francois said.</p><p>Sheets was one of the most explosive running backs in college football. His time of 4.39 seconds was the third-fastest time recorded at the NFL scouting combine. Even though Sheets left Purdue as the school’s No. 2 all-time rusher with 3,341 yards, he apparently had few allies on the coaching staff.</p><p>Sheets said his frustration boiled over after a loss to Northwestern. Although he claims he did not want to speak with the media after that game — knowing he would say something that might get him in trouble — he said he was encouraged to fulfill the obligation.</p><p>He blasted the offensive game plan and was critical of quarterback Curtis Painter. Sheets was banned from talking to the media for the rest of the season.</p><p>He said he got a call from his agent during the draft Sunday, warning him that he would likely not be selected. The reason, he was told: “The (Purdue) coaching staff is screwing you.”</p><p>Sheets said he got no help during the process from former Boilermakers coach Joe Tiller. But Sheets added that he has learned from the experience and holds no grudges. The 49ers flew him to the Bay Area three weeks ago as part of their background check.</p><p>“This is not a place where the coaches tell you what to think and what to say and what to do. The bottom line is we want team players,” Singletary said.</p><p>“I talked to those two players when they got here and just wanted them to understand that I understand that players talk, that people say things that they don’t mean. People do things they don’t mean to do.”</p><p>Singletary said he laid down ground rules for Jean-Francois and Sheets.</p><p>“This is the 49ers and I want you to respect yourself and respect the organization,” he said. “As long as you do that, you’ll be fine.”</p><h3>NOTES</h3> <p>Receiver Michael Crabtree, the No. 10 overall pick in the draft, did not take part in practice as he rehabs after undergoing March surgery to repair a stress fracture in his left foot.</p><p>Forty-seven players participated in meetings and practice. Tackle Marvel Smith and defensive end Demetric Evans took part in meetings but did not practice.</p><p>Quarterbacks Shaun Hill and Alex Smith are taking part in the minicamp, as their competition for the starting job continues. They shared all of the 11-on-11 reps. Rookie quarterback Nate Davis did not practice in the team session after experiencing cramps in his right leg.</p><p>Other than the quarterbacks, the most notable veterans to take part in Friday’s practice were safety Dashon Goldson, tackle Chilo Rachal, receiver Josh Morgan and defensive end Kentwan Balmer.</p><p>For more on the 49ers, go to Instant 49ers at http://blog.pressdemocrat.com/49ers. You can reach Staff Writer Matt Maiocco at 521-5492 or matt.maiocco@pressdemocrat.com.</p>