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Opportunities open in Battle's absence
By Matthew Barrows - mbarrows@sacbee.com
Last Updated 6:27 am PDT Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Story appeared in SPORTS section, Page C7
SANTA CLARA – Arnaz Battle missed his second consecutive practice Tuesday, opening the door for fellow receivers Jason Hill and Ashley Lelie to win over the coaching staff.
Coach Mike Nolan declined to comment on Battle's absence, but he said it behooved every offensive player to attend the voluntary practices.
"We do have an offense going in, and all the guys here are benefiting from that," Nolan said. "It's a great opportunity for all the guys, especially coming off a year like last year where we did not show the progress that we made the first two seasons."
Veterans Isaac Bruce and Bryant Johnson have been getting all of the first-team repetitions at receiver. Hill, a second-year player, and Lelie, who began making strides late last season, have worked with the second-team offense. They also have split the three-receiver packages Battle was a part of during last month's minicamp.
Also benefiting from an increased workload are rookies Josh Morgan and Robert Jordan (Cal). Jordan also has been getting work as a punt returner, another area where Battle worked in the minicamp.
Quarterback J.T. O'Sullivan was back at practice after missing Monday's session. Right tackle Jonas Jennings is expected back for Thursday's practice. Rookie linebacker Larry Grant (Foothill High School) has not practiced because Ohio State's school year still is in session. Grant can join the club Monday.
Flip-flop – Isaac Sopoaga and Ronald Fields essentially swapped positions over the offseason, and Sopoaga said he couldn't be happier.
Last year, Sopoaga mostly lined up at nose tackle, where he was asked to take on two, sometimes three blockers on a given play. Now he's lining up at left defensive end, the spot where Fields saw most of his playing time last year.
"I love it," said Sopoaga, explaining that his quick hands and feet are better utilized at left end.
Fields, who is one of the team's feistiest linemen, has been working behind Aubrayo Franklin at nose tackle.
About the writer:
- Read Matthew Barrows' 49ers blog at www.sacbee.com/blogs.
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