Crabtree way ahead of the game

<p>SANTA CLARA – After two days of 49ers' organized team activities, wide receiver Michael Crabtree is already further along before the 2010 season than he was entering his rookie season. </p><p>“I work hard at it,” Crabtree said Tuesday. “I even have my playbook in my bed. Every day I'm going hard trying to learn something new and trying to get better.”</p><p>The 49ers invested the No. 10 overall pick a year ago in Crabtree. Because of a stress fracture in his foot, Crabtree did no on-field work during the 49ers' offseason program. </p><p>Crabtree did not participate in training camp or the first four weeks of practices during the regular season when his contract stalemate lasted 71 days. </p><p>But as a regular attendee during the 49ers' offseason program, which began two weeks ago, he can now actually learn the 49ers' offense thoroughly – and at a more leisurely pace. </p><p>“It's a good thing, learning the basics,” Crabtree said. “When I first came, I was cramming a lot in a little amount of time. So I feel like right now we got the time, so we're taking it step by step.”</p><p>Crabtree was remarkably successful after being thrust immediately into the 49ers' starting lineup. He posted the most receptions for a 49ers rookie receiver since Jerry Rice when he caught 48 passes for 625 yards and two touchdowns in 11 games. Rice caught 49 passes in 16 games as a rookie in 1985. </p><p>Crabtree is preparing for the 49ers' next game – more than five months away. So he's going back to the basics of offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye's system. </p><p>“I'm learning routes, and combinations, and even blocking schemes for the offensive line, so we know what's called in the huddle,” Crabtree said. “Everything is looking good.” </p><p>Quarterback Alex Smith said it will be advantageous for him to have the opportunity to create better chemistry with Crabtree, who is expected to be the 49ers' top receiver this season. </p><p>“There's a lot to look forward to,” Smith said. “It's nice to have him in this time of year and be able to really be on the same page and have that communication, to be able to trust that we're going to both be on the same page.”</p><p><b>EXTRA POINTS</b></p><p>Coach Mike Singletary skipped the two days of organized team activities to hit the road on a scouting trip with Trent Baalke, the 49ers' director of player personnel. Singletary and Baalke attended the pro day for Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford on Monday. The pair watched Oklahoma State receiver Dez Bryant work out Tuesday. </p><p>Tight end Vernon Davis construed Singletary's absence as a vote of confidence for the professionalism of the players. </p><p>“He trusts us enough that we're going to handle our responsibilities and do what we need to do,” Davis said. ‘We've been out there getting better. Everybody understands what we're trying to accomplish. The rest of the coaches are out there. We're taking care of business.”</p><p>The 49ers re-signed kicker Shane Andrus to a one-year contract. He will likely handle the backup duties at placekicker and punter during training camp this summer to save a spot on the 80-man roster for another position. </p><p>Andrus appeared in one game for the 49ers after injuries to Joe Nedney and replacement Ricky Schmitt. </p><p>For more on the 49ers, go to Instant 49ers at blog.pressdemocrat.com/49ers. You can reach Staff Writer Matt Maiocco at matt.maiocco@pressdemocrat.com</p>