Most 49ers fans will recognize Solomon Thomas’ jersey number, 94, as the one Justin Smith wore for seven seasons in San Francisco.
In reality, the rookie may have chosen the digits because they also once belonged to Cowboys and Broncos pass rusher, DeMarcus Ware.
Thomas, the third overall pick in the draft, worked out with Ware recently and the two plan to get together during the NFL’s July lull in Texas. Thomas is from Coppell, Texas.
Ware, who retired in the offseason following a 12-year career, said Thomas called before the 49ers rookie minicamp earlier this month and asked for tips.
“That was big,” Ware said Wednesday on the NFL Network’s Good Morning Football. “To have an opportunity to work on his technique and have him call me and say, ‘DeMarcus, you know I’m going to wear No. 94.’ … He said, ‘You know I want to emulate my game after you.'”
Ware ended his career with 138 1/2 sacks in the regular season and helped the Broncos win Super Bowl 50 in Santa Clara.
Thomas likely will line up at one of the defensive end spots in base situations for the 49ers this season. He is not permitted to attend the 49ers’ current OTA practices because Stanford’s school year is still in session. He will be back, however, for at least some of the team’s mandatory minicamp next month.
The number Thomas wore in high school and at Stanford, No. 90, is worn by nose tackle Earl Mitchell.
49ers draft picks by their numbers
QB C.J. Beathard, No. 3
RB Joe Williams, No. 32
CB Adrian Colbert, No. 38
CB Ahkello Witherspoon, No. 41
DE Pita Taumoepenu, No. 45
LB Reuben Foster, No. 56
WR Trent Taylor, No. 81
TE George Kittle, No. 85
DL Solomon Thomas, No. 94
NT D.J. Jones, No. 96
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