South Carolina State Cornerback Phillip Adams Fits S.F. 49er's Tough Identity

Defensive Back Phillip Adams (7th Round, 224th overall) fills a need for the 49ers, who were hoping to come out of the draft with a cornerback. An All-Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference selection in 2009 at South Carolina State, Adams figures to challenge for a backup role as a rookie.

There's a common theme to the eight prospects selected by the San Francisco 49ers in this year's draft. "These players are guys who will hit you," coach Mike Singletary said Saturday. "When you look at the identity of the 49ers, I think every one of these guys that we pick fit the identity." Singletary is building a tough, physical squad in San Francisco, and the four players selected by the team Saturday to complete the draft definitely fit the mold.

They also fill needs as the 49ers selected power running back Anthony Dixon, blocking tight end Nate Byham and wide receiver/punt returner Kyle Williams in the sixth round, then added physical cornerback Phillip Adams with their final pick in round 7. Each comes to San Francisco with the type of attitude the 49ers have come to expect from their players. "I like to bloody noses," said Byham, a two-time All-Big East selection at the University of Pittsburgh who was considered one of the nation's best blocking tight ends last season. "I don't shy away from contact. I'm going into the hole and I'm trying to hit somebody. I'm trying to inflict pain when I'm in there as a tight end."

READ MORE, CLICK TITLE.

READ RELATED ARTICLES:

DB Adams first Bulldog drafted since 2000

‎

49ers add South Carolina St cornerback Adams

Former Rock Hill, SC State star drafted by 49ers

Florida A&M Rattlers perform for NFL eyes

San Francisco 49ers head coach Mike Singletary couldn't stay for all of the events that his NFL peers brought to test the talent on display, but when he left he was thoroughly impressed. One by one former Florida A&M players went through the Pro Timing Day drills, knowing that nothing weighed as heavily as their speed in the 40-yard dash. For some the event that amounts to a job fair was their only opportunity to show off in front of prospective bosses, who carried stopwatches and notepads on Thursday as the players performed in front of a surprisingly large crowd on the FAMU practice field.

"There is a lot of untapped talent here," Singletary said. "It's a lot like a lot of other colleges (and) a lot of the guys are excited about what they're doing. I think the talent here is great, particularly on the big guys. They can run, they can move. It's just a matter of having the opportunity and making the most of it when they get it." Singletary said his team has interests in quarterback Curtis Pulley, offensive lineman Robert Okeafor, linebacker Bryant Parker and punt/kick returner LeRoy Vann. Vann worked out earlier this week for the Jacksonville Jaguars and will have a similar workout with the Tampa Bay Bucs next month.

READ MORE, CLICK TITLE.

READ RELATED ARTICLES:
Battle ready for FAMU QB fight
FAMU football: Trainor's confidence is a bonus
FAMU's road-weary softball team rides momentum