Awards season isn't waiting for the 49ers season to end.
San Francisco running back Frank Gore was selected to the 2013 USA Football All-Fundamentals Team on Wednesday morning.
The squad honors 26 NFL players – 11 offense, 11 defense and four special teams – who exhibit exemplary football techniques for youth players to emulate.
The fifth annual USA Football All-Fundamentals Team recognizes NFL players who employ proper technique, particularly when blocking and tackling, which fosters better on-field performance and inherent safety benefits.
Each player chosen for the All-Fundamentals Team will receive a $1,500 equipment grant from USA Football to donate to the youth or high school football program of his choice. USA Football, the sport's national governing body in the United States, is the official youth football development partner of the 49ers, the NFL and each of the league's other 31 teams.
A fan vote will determine All-Fundamentals Team captains here. Fans may vote for one captain on offense, defense and special teams. USA Football will award each of the three captains a $3,000 equipment grant to donate and an All-Fundamentals Team helmet trophy. Voting is open through Jan. 29.
2013 USA Football All-Fundamentals Team – Offense:
*POSITION *
NAME, TEAM
* *
Quarterback
Peyton Manning, Broncos
Running back
Frank Gore, 49ers
Fullback
John Kuhn, Packers
Wide receiver
Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals
A.J. Green, Bengals
Tight end
Jason Witten, Cowboys
Tackle
Jermon Bushrod, Bears
Tyron Smith, Cowboys
Guard
Jahri Evans, Saints
Andy Levitre, Titans
Center
Nick Hardwick, Chargers
2013 USA Football All-Fundamentals Team – Defense:
*POSITION *
NAME, TEAM
* *
End
Chris Long, Rams
Muhammad Wilkerson, Jets
Tackle
B.J. Raji, Packers
Kyle Williams, Bills
Linebacker
D'Qwell Jackson, Browns
Luke Kuechly, Panthers
Robert Mathis, Colts
Cornerback
Brent Grimes, Dolphins
Richard Sherman, Seahawks
Safety
Eric Berry, Chiefs
Earl Thomas, Seahawks
* *
2013 USA Football All-Fundamentals Team – Special Teams:
*POSITION *
NAME, TEAM
Return specialist
Cordarrelle Patterson, Vikings
Kicker
Stephen Gostkowski, Patriots
Punter
Dustin Colquitt, Chiefs
Long snapper
Jon Dorenbos, Eagles
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