Minicamp kicks off today

The San Francisco 49ers will kick off rookie minicamp on Friday, May 3. The camp will run through May 5. The rookies met with the media on Thursday, and had plenty to say. Here are six quotes that I found interesting.

Jalen Hurd doesn’t need a plan

Hurd said he doesn’t know the full plan for him yet but says he’s a “mismatch guy” who can make plays with the ball. “There’s really no limit for me on the offensive side of the ball.”

Love the confidence. It’s clear that Hurd has had a conversation with head coach Kyle Shanahan. He’s also pretty aware of his skillset. When you can line up anywhere, whether running back or out wide, that makes a difference. If there’s one person that can unlock Hurd’s ceiling, it’s Shanahan.

Hurd had knee surgery that kept him from participating in the Senior Bowl and at the Combine. He said he will be a full go at minicamp this weekend, which will be fun.

Anquan part 2?

Deebo Samuel was asked who he models his game after:

“Anquan Boldin and Golden Tate I would say I mark my game after. A great athlete after the catch, knows how to get separation and beat man coverage.”

Man. If Samuel can be 60% of Boldin, the 49ers have a star. Boldin was unreal. You remember his first year in San Francisco? If Deebo can show that type of toughness and ability to not go down when the first defender gets his hands on you, the Niners have something special.

Greenlaw loves 52

Dre Greenlaw, like the majority of linebackers I imagine, looked up to Patrick Willis growing up. The two also went through similar situations growing up. Both found football/athletics as an outlet/motivating factor to escape from challenging living situations. Both had the benefit of a welcoming family to help them along the way. Willis is one heck of a person to admire.

This will be one of the more fascinating draft classes. Nick Bosa comes with plenty of hype, and pressure to perform. Samuel is the real chess piece, but Hurd gets labeled that way. I cannot wait to see how many touches Hurd gets a game. If Tim Harris stays healthy, the team may have found a gem. There will be plenty of storylines regarding the rookie class as the season gets closer.