49ers notes: Spurlock an early surprise

<p>ByMATT MAIOCCO</p><p>THE PRESS DEMOCRAT</p><p>SANTA CLARA — Quarterbacks Shaun Hill and Alex Smith got some rest for their right arms Wednesday morning, as 49ers offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye unveiled another section of the playbook.</p><p>Around the league it’s known as the “Wildcat” — the spread formation the Miami Dolphins implemented with great success last season behind running back Ronnie Brown.</p><p>The 49ers call it “Taser,” and its mere unveiling on the practice field helped shine the spotlight on intriguing camp hopeful Micheal Spurlock.</p><p>Spurlock, 26, was a backup quarterback at Mississippi behind Eli Manning for three years. He started as a drop-back quarterback as a senior before entering the NFL as a receiver and return specialist.</p><p>“He has great initial quickness and he is a pass threat,” Raye said. “The combination of those things, and the fact that he is a punt returner who can run with the ball, gives you a little more flexibility and a little more leeway.”</p><p>Spurlock holds the distinction of becoming the first player in Tampa Bay Buccaneers history to return a kickoff for a touchdown. He played seven games for the Buccaneers in 2007, and caught four passes in one game with the Arizona Cardinals in 2006.</p><p>He was considered a distinct longshot for a roster spot when the 49ers opened camp two weeks ago. After all, Spurlock was competing at a crowded position that includes Isaac Bruce, Michael Crabtree, Brandon Jones, Josh Morgan, Arnaz Battle, Jason Hill and Dominique Zeigler.</p><p>But Crabtree is mired in a contract impasse that has no end in sight, and Jones is expected to be out through September with a broken shoulder.</p><p>Spurlock has outperformed Jason Hill in practice, and has placed himself into position to be considered for a roster spot.</p><p>“He’s a guy who’s played football in the National Football League,” Raye said. “He’s very much in the mix as a wide receiver. The fact that he can bring some added dimensions ... it’s kind of like, the more you can do, the higher your chances are.”</p><p>Said Spurlock, “I think I’m in a good spot, but I haven’t achieved anything yet.”</p><p>Spurlock and Arnaz Battle took direct snaps out of the 49ers’ “Taser” formation during practice. Like Spurlock, Battle was a college quarterback. But after beginning his career at Notre Dame as a quarterback, he was moved to receiver.</p><p>Although they have similar backgrounds and play the same positions, Raye does not see a lot of similarities in their styles.</p><p>“Micheal is a sudden, quick, initial-quickness type of guy,” Raye said. “Arnaz Battle is a bigger, stronger, more physical receiver.”</p><p>The other player who figures to see action in the 49ers’ spread offense is running back Michael Robinson, who has been out since Aug. 4 with a groin strain.</p><p>EXTRA POINTS</p><p>Coach Mike Singletary has yet to decide on a starting quarterback for the 49ers’ exhibition opener Friday against the Denver Broncos.</p><p>Right tackle Adam Snyder continues to work with the first-team offense. Free-agent acquisition Marvel Smith has not received clearance from the 49ers’ medical staff to participate in every practice. Smith was placed on injured reserve the past two seasons with back problems.</p><p>For more on the 49ers, go to Instant 49ers at http://blog.pressdemocrat.com/49ers. You can reach Staff Writer Matt Maiocco via e-mail at matt.maiocco@pressdemocrat.com.</p>