Wednesday was his first time meeting Jim Harbaugh. Admittedly,
But, it was also a memorable experience. So much so, the former No. 5 overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft signed a two-year contract with the San Francisco 49ers.
Now, Dorsey is eager to compete on the 49ers defensive line for a respected head coach.
It doesn’t matter at what spot, defensive tackle or at nose tackle.
“It was awesome,” the 6-foot-1, 297-pound defensive lineman said of his first meeting with Harbaugh at 49ers headquarters. “He’s full of energy. He talks about competing. You’re going to get your fair shot, but you’ve got to come in and work.”
Competing is a big deal to the 49ers coach and Dorsey is ready to work.
“You’ve got to work for it and I like that mentality,” the new defensive lineman said of Harbaugh. “He’s fired up and I am too.”
When he found out the 49ers were interested in bringing him for a visit, the former LSU standout who won the Lombardi, Lott, Nagurski and Outland Awards in 2007, made sure it was his first and only trip.
Dorsey packed up his belongings in less than an hour and headed to the airport. He landed in the Bay Area late Tuesday night and met with coaches and members of the front office at midnight.
Likewise, the 49ers brass was pleased to have Dorsey in the building. It only took one day to sign a contract.
“Glenn brings great versatility to our defensive front, and we look forward to his contributions on the field and in the community,” 49ers General Manager Trent Baalke said in a statement released by the team.
Dorsey came back to the facility early Wednesday and met up with veterans working out at team headquarters, including four-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle
“It’s a different attitude around here,” Dorsey said. “Guys are in here are ready to work hard and I’m just thankful for the opportunity to be a part of it and try to help out the best way I can.”
Furthermore, Dorsey is chomping at the bit to work beside hard-working veterans like Smith and the 49ers other starting defensive tackle,
“I’m excited about that,” Dorsey said. “You can’t deny that they’re great football players. You watch them on film and I admire what they’re able to do. I’m happy the organization saw me as an option to come in and be with those guys.”
Dorsey totaled 238 tackles (159 solo, 79 assists) to go along with four sacks and four fumble recoveries in his five years in the league. In 2012, Dorsey played in four games (seven tackles) before being placed on Injured Reserve.
The abrupt end to his 2012 season, coupled with a new outlook on a new team, has Dorsey inspired to play his best football.
“I’ve got to get my game together and I’m ready to work,” he said, wearing a red 49ers ball cap.
In addition to enjoying San Francisco’s hard-working culture, Dorsey’s decision was heavily influenced by the opportunity to work with respected defensive line coach Jim Tomsula.
“I’m thankful for it,” Dorsey said. “You know the reputation, a tremendous coach. I feel like I can benefit from that a lot and step my game up to a new level.”
Dorsey hustled to the Bay Area to meet with the 49ers and felt like it was the right call.
“I’m glad it’s my only one,” he said. “When I heard the 49ers were interested, I was like, ‘Man, let’s go.’”
The reality of joining a Super Bowl-caliber team started to sink in shortly after inking his name on a two-year contract. As he sat in the 49ers facility wearing a red 49ers hat, it made it that much more special.
Dorsey couldn’t help but notice the five Super Bowl trophies in the lobby and the team’s quest to add a sixth title in the upcoming season.
“There’s a lot that comes with this,” Dorsey said. “I’m thankful for the opportunity. This is a great organization that’s been winning football games. I’m just ready to get in and do my part, get myself right, do my work and contribute.”
