Frank Gore Q&A

Frank Gore enters his eight season with the 49ers and once again finds himself at the top of the running back depth chart. But now at 29, Gore faces much more competition in his own camp with the additions of Brandon Jacobs and LaMichael James and the development of Kendall Hunter.

Gore spoke about how he's handling that competition, the shape of the 49ers compared to last year at this point and what the team's new wide receiver threats mean for his role in the passing game.

On the benefits of practicing against one of the best defenses in the league…
“Just to get us better. We know that we’ve got great players on the defensive side. They play great together, and I feel that if we can do things against them, then we should be able to do anything against anybody, any other team.”

On the progress the offense has made through training camp…
“We’re doing good. We’re taking steps. We’re far ahead of last year at camp. We’ve taken a step forward.”

On what areas in which the offense has gotten ahead of where they were at training camp last year…
“I’d say everything, just knowing our coaches better at this time, just knowing the offense better. I’d say every position.”

On how long it took him last year to a get a feel for the team and the roles he needed to perform…
“It took some time. I’d say all of training camp, the first couple games. We were still learning. But now, like I said, this time, we’re far, far ahead of where we were before last year.”

On being with the 49ers for the full offseason program for the first time this year…
“It was both (Gore’s and the team’s decision). (Running backs) Coach Tom (Rathman) told me to try something different. He wanted me here, and I was here. Just being around the guys, working out with (head strength and conditioning coach Mark Uyeyama), who is one of the best strength coaches in the league, he did a great job with me this offseason. And I still had time to go home, work out with my guy, Pete Bommarito. I feel good, I feel good.”

On what Uyeyama added to his game during the offseason conditioning program…
“He and my trainer back home of probably similar. I probably did the same things with Uye that I do with my trainer back home.”

On how his role changes with the 49ers’ new additions at running back and Kendall Hunter’s development…
“I’ll be the person I’ve always been. When I’m in a game, whenever I’ve got opportunities, I’m going to take advantage of it, go hard every play and try to help my team win. I’m the same guy I’ve been seven years before; I’m going to be the same guy.”

On whether he feel the competition from other running backs to take on some of his duties…
“It’s the coach’s decision. Whatever Coach feels is best for the team, then we’ll go with it.”

On whether he’s concerned about his playing time…
“I can play football. I’m in shape. I feel good, and I’m having a great camp. I’m working hard every day. You all have seen it. You all have been telling me that I look great. So I’m ready to play.”

On why he frequently asks for others’ opinion on how he played…
“Because you all are looking. You all saw me for seven years, and if you all see a difference, you all will see it.”

On whether he feels different…
“I feel great. Like I said before, I think it’s a mind thing. People say you’re turning 29 or 30. I feel that it’s all about how you train and take care of your body and how you work in practice. If you do that, you’ll be fine.”

On if he thinks his career can be prolonged by the 49ers using another running back with him…
“Our coach does a great job of using different personnel and getting the guys the ball who we feel can help the team. I know he’ll make sure I have my share and be happy about my share on Sundays and also the other guys. They do a great job.”

On moving up from 94th last year to 28th this year in the NFL Network’s list of the top 100 players…
“I feel good about moving up, but the year I was 94th I played half of the season. Last year we won more, and as a player I’ve just been doing the same things I’ve been doing since I’ve been here. It’s just that we got an opportunity to win, and everybody saw what I do on Sundays.”

On his decrease in receptions during the regular season last year before leading the team in postseason receptions…
“It’s on what Alex Smith reads. I feel that we won last year with him looking down the field more than just checking the ball down. So if we’ve got to keep doing it and getting the ball downfield to win, I’m good with it.”

On what the additions of Randy Moss and Mario Manningham mean for the passing game…
“It’ll be great. Like you said, you can name all of the guys who can play football and also the guys who we already had (Michael) Crabtree, Vernon (Davis), Delanie (Walker) or Teddy (Ginn Jr.), that’s a lot of weapons. I hope that they pay attention to more of the receivers than the running backs."

On whether he’d rather catch passes out of the backfield than block…
“I don’t mind. Whatever it takes for me to win, I’m doing it.”

On his gold cleats…
“They’re gold shoes. The reason why I wear them is because of my feet. I’ve got great feet running the ball, to get in and out of cuts, find a small spot. That’s what I’ve got on my gold shoes for.”

On why his feet are his best attribute…
“To get in and out and find small spots.”


(csnbayarea.com)