Goodwin stands out as No. 1 receiver early in camp
SANTA CLARA >> Marquise Goodwin, not Pierre Garçon nor any young prospect, is looking more and more like the 49ers’ top wide receiver.
True, it’s only two practices into training camp, far too early to anoint or admonish anyone. But that receiver debate marks the top of our 10 takeaways from Friday’s action:
1. GOODWIN, GO-TO GUY >> Goodwin keeps delivering, like he did last year once Garçon exited with a neck injury. Goodwin is unmistakably Jimmy Garoppolo’s favorite target and, even though Goodwin’s deep speed hasn’t been showcased, Garoppolo’s best completions these first two practices were to Goodwin in the 20- to 25yard range.
“He’s been a leader on the team, he’s battled through adversity and ’Quise is a guy who’s been extremely consistent since halfway through last year,” coach Kyle Shanahan. “He’s a guy who we count on a lot.”
Cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon named Goodwin as the team’s toughest receiver to cover, not only because of his speed but improved route running.
A year ago, the 49ers counted on Garçon’s veteran presence to lead a young, overhauled, untested receiving corps. Once he got hurt in Week 8, the 49ers thrust Goodwin into a more demanding role, as well as others such as rookies Trent Taylor, Kendrick Bourne and George Kittle.
“When Pierre got hurt, there was a lot of pressure put on guys like Bourne, Kittle, Marquise and I don’t think they were all quite ready for that yet,” Shanahan said. “But I do think that’s why we got a little better, because we had no choice.”
2. GOODWIN, GOOD GUY >> After Friday’s practice, Goodwin compellingly spoke about buying a home for his mother, Tamina, and sister, Deja, in their native Texas. His video of that gift went viral and garnered national attention earlier this month.
“Surprising my mom and my sister with a house was the biggest thing to date I’ve done in my life, besides getting married to my best friend,” Goodwin said. “It’s something I’ve always dreamt about. I’ve got chills on my arm because it’s real.”
Then came more chills as he described his mother’s influence, after the natural acknowledgment how she means the world to him. “I know what it’s like to have nothing, I know what it’s like to be at rock bottom,” Goodwin said. “Scratch dropping a ball in a game, scratch missing a big block for a touchdown.
“I know what it’s like not to eat at night. I know what it’s like to see my mom have to go to the hospital because of domestic violence. That’s being at rock bottom for me. It’s humbling to be in this position to make this money and to (provide) for my family.”
3. BEATHARD SIGHTING >> If all goes as planned, C.J. Beathard will get a lot of work in practice and exhibitions before retreating to Garoppolo’s shadow. So far, Beathard is looking smooth, very decisive and more comfortable in the system. He completed all eight of his passes Friday in 11-on-11 drills.
“This is a good thing for C.J. He can get better through this,” Shanahan said. “I know he wants reps and has been getting them in practice and will get a lot in the preseason.”
4. MCGLINCHEY, FAN FAVORITE >> As about 1,000 fans settled into the bleachers for practice, rookie right tackle Mike McGlinchey surprisingly raced over to pump them up and even ran into the stands before exchanging high-fives and starting a “Let’s Go Niners!” chant. The 49ers’ top draft pick sure isn’t shy, and he sure set a high bar for what will be a rookie tradition at the eight remaining open practices.
5. WHITHERSPOON’S WORLD >> Second-year cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon’s growth is drawing raves from teammates and coaches. “Every rep I feel I’m the best cornerback on the planet,” said Witherspoon, who trained with Richard Sherman and other elite cornerbacks earlier this offseason.
6. LIL WAYNE’S GIFTS >> Shanahan is still aglow after he and his son, Carter, received autographed posters and CDs from rapper Lil Wayne. Shanahan confirmed he named his son after Wayne’s album, “The Carter.”
7. DEFENSIVE PLAY OF DAY >> Antone Exum Jr. cut in front of Dante Pettis to tip up a Beathard pass and then intercept it during 7-on-7 drills. Exum is competing for a backup safety role.
8. RIGHT GUARD SHUFFLE >> The 49ers are making Joshua Garnett work for the starting right guard spot, and a day after he lined up for all first-team snaps, he split time Friday with Mike Person. Jonathan Cooper, the other candidate, remains on the physically unable to perform list.
9. RESERVE RUSHERS >> A battle is brewing for who will be Jerick McKinnon’s backups at running back. Incumbent Matt Breida continues to look quick and solid. Joe Williams, Jermy McNichols and Raheem Mostert look up for the challenge, and their ability to pass protect with pads on could decide their worth.
10. CONTACT COMING >> Today marks the first practice with pads and full contact. In Garoppolo’s words: “That’s what really gets me excited. That’s when it’s really football. People start hitting each other. It’s more live.”