Entering the second preseason game of his second pro campaign, A.J. Jenkins had three quick phrases for three interested reporters.
"I'm not worried about expectations."
"I'm trying to slow the game down."
"I feel no pressure."
The 49ers 2012 first-round pick is aiming to play his best football on a big stage. San Francisco visits Kansas City on Friday to play Alex Smith and the Chiefs.
For Jenkins, one of a 11 healthy wideouts on the roster, it's another opportunity to showcase the skills his coaches and teammates rave about. He is competing with returning veterans like Kyle Williams and free-agent signees like Austin Collie for playing time.
"It's not a competition. It's like a family," Jenkins said. "We cheer for each other."
Jenkins pointed to the impressive touchdown catch made by Chad Hall, one receiver relatively far down the depth chart, and the oohs and aahs audible from players in its immediate aftermath during Wednesday's practice.
Asked to compare this season's receiver corps to that of his rookie campaign, Jenkins said he hasn't noticed a significant difference.
"We had Randy (Moss), now we got Anquan (Boldin). We had Ted (Ginn), now we got Marlon (Moore)," Jenkins said. "It's kind of like the same group as we had."
The list of 49ers pass-catchers grows from 11 to 13 when including rehabbing veterans Mario Manningham and Michael Crabtree; the latter watched the team's final practice of training camp.
Both men have been helpful to Jenkins.
"They watch the film with me and tell me what I could have done (better), or 'Hey, good job,'" Jenkins said of their recent, off-the-field contributions. "Just any advice that they have as far as anything."
49ERS.COM SUGGESTS:________
