49ers notes: Singletary pushes punishing drill

<p>SANTA CLARA — The name of the drill is “Nutcracker.” And in Camp Singletary, it certainly does not conjure any images of an elegant ballet.</p><p>That is how the 49ers opened training camp on Saturday. Coach Mike Singletary got things rolling with offensive and defensive players squaring off in a punishing hitting drill.</p><p>Two players line up against one another and try to push forward. It’s about developing fundamentals, Singletary said. Players must gain the leverage and keep their legs and feet moving.</p><p>“I want the guys that are going to stand with a base underneath them, be fundamentally sound and take their man back to the quarterback or the guy is going to take them into the defensive backfield,” Singletary said.</p><p>“And that gets tiring. But in a game, in the fourth quarter, the fundamentals always come back. And the team that is the most fundamentally sound is going to win at the end.”</p><p>Linebacker Takeo Spikes, a 12-year NFL veteran, said it was the first time he had gone through a drill like this since his college days at Auburn. And this will not be the last time the 49ers go through this exercise.</p><p>Singletary said this drill differs from the well-known “Oklahoma” drill because it is one-on-one and there is no lateral movement involved. Once a player is on the ground or gets turned to the side, the burst of action ends.</p><p>The club tentatively has another “nutcracker” session scheduled for Monday’s practice.</p><h3>TEAM TREATS INFECTION</h3> <p>Rookie defensive lineman Ricky Jean-Francois developed a staph infection while in his hometown of Miami before reporting to the 49ers on Tuesday, the club said. The 49ers’ medical staff diagnosed the condition and placed him on the non-football illness list on Wednesday. Jean-Francois continues to be considered day-to-day.</p><p>It took the 49ers three days to identify Jean-Francois’ condition to the media. Last year, Josh Morgan and Keith Lewis developed staph infections during training camp. Morgan disclosed his condition but the organization never acknowledged it. A 49ers spokesman said the club is treating Jean-Francois’ condition aggressively.</p><h3>EXTRA POINTS</h3> <p>Outside linebacker Parys Haralson (right hip flexor strain) and cornerback Tarell Brown (left big toe sprain) sat out the afternoon practice. Both are listed as day to day.</p><p>Receiver Michael Crabtree, the team’s first-round selection who was scheduled to report to camp on Tuesday, remains unsigned. General manager Scot McCloughan described it as a “day-to-day process.” Crabtree’s agent, Eugene Parker, seeks a contract worthy of a top-five selection, sources have told The Press Democrat. Crabtree was the No.10 overall pick.</p><p>“I hope he gets his butt back in here,” 49ers tight end Vernon Davis said. “I want him to be here.”</p><p>Presumptive starting fullback Moran Norris is the only signed player not with the club. He is taking care of a personal matter, Singletary said. Michael Robinson saw action with the first team in his place.</p><p>For more on the 49ers, go to Instant 49ers at http://blog.press</p><p>democrat.com/49ers. You can reach Staff Writer Matt Maiocco via e-mail at matt.maiocco@pressdemocrat.com.</p>