A.J. Jenkins said he planned on going for a dip after practice today. Why? Because that's what Randy Moss routinely does after practice.
All apologies to Alex Smith and Michael Crabtree, but Moss has to be the most scrutinized player on the 49ers' roster. Not only is the media curious about the 13-year veteran who was retired at this time last year, the players -- young and old -- are watching his every move, too.
That includes first-round draft pick Jenkins. The 49ers signed Moss and drafted Jenkins this offseason after going through 2011 without a deep threat at receiver. In fact, you could argue that the team hasn't had a consistent big-play receiver since Terrell Owens left town.
Moss, of course, is signed for one year. The hope is that Jenkins will be here for the long haul and that he takes careful notes on Moss throughout the season. So far, Jenkins, who has a Randy Moss jersey in his closet at home, can't help but oblige.
"Anything that he does, I'm looking," Jenkins said. "That's running routes, that's getting off press (coverage), that's catching balls, that's eating the right things, that's treatment - everything that he does. Because he's been in the league for, what, 14 or 15 years? That's respect. ... He's always constantly treating his body like a machine. That's one thing that I want to pick up."
As for Jenkins' other mentor, Jerry Rice, the rookie said he has yet to tackle The Hill with the former 49ers receiver. But the two spoke Wednesday and they have plans to get together in the near future to strategize on an offseason regimen.
Jenkins was noticeably winded after the team's rookie minicamp earlier this month, and he acknowledged he's not yet ready for a two-plus mile run that's uphill all of the way. "I want to build myself up before I take that on," Jenkins said.
-- Matt Barrows
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