San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh backs A.J. Jenkins – NFL News
San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh has taken a rather strict approach to address the critics who have been bringing wide receiver A.J. Jenkins in the line of fire since he has joined the team as a first-round draft pick this year.
The rookie reportedly did not live up to the expectations of being a first-round pick, prompting a number of critics to target him. The observers also pointed out that he was not in proper shape when he had joined the team.
As 49ers practised for the first time with pads at training camp on Sunday, July 29, 2012, the coach had high hopes of his players, particularly Jenkins.
During his press conference, Harbaugh started off without even taking a question and addressed the criticism surround Jenkins straightaway.
According to the details present on the team’s website, Harbaugh said:
“I just want to update you on the status of A.J. Jenkins, that topic. A.J. Jenkins was an outstanding football player when he got here. His progress has been very, very good and exceeded expectations. For those scribes, pundits, so called experts, who have
gone as far to say that he is going to be a bust, should just stop.”
While mentioning that the analysts are making themselves look more clueless, the head coach said:
“To go on record, A.J.’s going to be an outstanding football player. So far in camp, what he’s done in the offseason has led us to believe nothing but that he will be an outstanding football player in the National Football League.”
Earlier before the start of training camp, Jenkins also said that he was not bothered by the criticism he had faced soon after joining the team. He maintained that he had made long strides and was looking forward to performing well at training camp.
The coach’s support must come as a relief for the player, who is still new to the business. Since 49ers have made many changes this offseason to improve their offence, Jenkins’ selection was supposed to come under debate. However, the rookie has got the
support of his players and his teammates and that is what matters at the moment.
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