SANTA CLARA – One of the most impressive rookies during the 49ers' organized team activities (OTAs) has been wide receiver Josh Morgan, a sixth-round selection out of Virginia Tech.
Morgan made a dazzling catch in the corner of the end zone on a pass from Alex Smith during Tuesday's practice session, and coach Mike Nolan said he had a similarly eye-catching practice Monday. Tuesday's practice was the only one open to the media this week.
"A lot of talent," Nolan said of Morgan on Tuesday. "He's very raw. This week he's made significant progress. … He had a good day yesterday, and hopefully when I go in and look at the film, he'll have had a good day today. He's got some real upside."
Morgan is the type of wide receiver Nolan tends to favor.
At 220 pounds, he has the heft to outmuscle defensive backs and to block downfield. He also is fast.
So far, Morgan's performance has been similar to third-round pick Jason Hill's preseason work last year.
"He catches your eye," Nolan said of Morgan. "He looks the part, for one."
One reason Morgan stands out among the rookies is that practices have been non-contact. Linemen such as first-round pick Kentwan Balmer and second-rounder Chilo Rachal won't start to shine until the team puts its pads on in training camp.
Morgan also has benefited from the absences of other receivers.
Arnaz Battle missed the first week of OTAs while dealing with a private matter in Dallas. Veteran Isaac Bruce, meanwhile, has been excused from the last two weeks of OTAs.
With Bruce gone, Battle practiced extensively at the "Z" receiver position opposite Bryant Johnson. Hill and Ashley Lelie also have received a lot of practice repetitions.
Rachal returns
Rachal was back at practice Friday after returning home to the Los Angeles area earlier in the week. Rachal's mother had surgery to remove a tumor from her stomach and Rachal wanted to support her during the procedure.
Concerns over his mother's health – and how he would pay for the operation – prompted Rachal to enter the draft after his junior season at USC. A team spokesman said Rachal's mother was recovering well.
Read Matthew Barrows' 49ers blog at www.sacbee.com/blogs.
