Gore's knees seem healed 49ERS NOTES

0 Comments | Oakland Tribune, May 8, 2005 | by Roger Phillips, STAFF WRITER

SANTA CLARA -- It seems safe to say that of all the players at the San Francisco 49ers' minicamp this weekend, none has more at stake in his NFL career than rookie Frank Gore.

The former Miami star running back was drafted two weeks ago by the 49ers at the start of the third round. Though draft expert Mel Kiper Jr. has said that Gore has "first-round ability," he and many other draftniks figured Gore would be chosen much later. Gore's stock dropped because of serious injuries to both knees that marred his college career.

Gore left Miami with one year of eligibility remaining, in part because of what NFL money would mean to his family.

His mother, Lizzie, has been on dialysis since he was a junior in high school and is on a list to receive a kidney transplant. Gore is eager to move Lizzie, his son and two siblings out of their tiny two- bedroom Coconut Grove home. At one point when he was growing up, Gore said, he shared the house with eight people.

"My mom's been there for me all my life," Gore said. "She's kept me strong. That's one of the reasons I didn't quit. She kept me with a positive mind."

It has been a difficult road to this point, but the 21-year-old Gore is now close to following in the footsteps of other former Miami running backs who reached the NFL, players such as Clinton Portis, Edgerrin James, Najeh Davenport, Clinton Portis and Willis McGahee.

Gore arrived at Miami following a senior season at Coral Gables High in which he ran for 2,953 yards and 34 touchdowns. He was Portis' understudy as a freshman, gaining 562 yards and scoring five touchdowns on only 62 carries, but then came the injury bug.

Those injuries opened the door for McGahee, now with the Buffalo Bills, to become a star for the Hurricanes.

After missing all of 2002 and most of 2003 with his knee injuries, Gore ran for 945 yards and eight touchdowns in 2004, even though it was said he had lost some of his speed.

The 5-foot-9 Gore played at 235 pounds last season. He has lost about 20 pounds since then and said he now feels as quick and healthy as he did before all the injuries.

"I'm just trying to get better and better," Gore said. "I try not to settle for less, I'm just trying to keep working and working. I'm trying to be the best back that ever came through Miami or the best back in this year's draft."

NOT INTERESTED: At the moment, the featured "Z" receiver in the 49ers' offense is Arnaz Battle, who has eight receptions in two NFL seasons.

Coach Mike Nolan has almost completely ruled out signing free agent David Boston. On Saturday, he was asked whether he had any interest in signing any other available veteran receivers.

"Give me some names," Nolan said.

At that point, Freddie Mitchell's name was mentioned. The colorful, cocky -- and disappointing -- Mitchell was released Friday by the Philadelphia Eagles.

"Like I said," Nolan said, "give me some names -- good names."

More seriously, Nolan said he "does not foresee" adding a veteran receiver to his very inexperienced group.

"I want to give these guys an opportunity," Nolan said. "I'm confident that this group, as it stands, will get it done as a unit."

GROUP TICKETS: The 49ers announced a ticket program that will allow groups of 20 or more to buy seats at a discount.

The group-ticket program is the first in the 49ers' history. Groups of 20 or more will be able to buy tickets, which normally cost $64 apiece, for $34.

A limited number of group seats are available for each game. More information is available at 49ers.com or by calling (800) 746-0764.