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Meet the newest member of the 49ers
http://www.sacbee.com/static/weblogs/49ers/archives/2010/02/meet-the-newest.html
I recently caught up with the newest member of the 49ers, tight end Tony Curtis, and he was nice enough to answer a few questions. Curtis, 26, has a shot at making the team if for no other reason than the 49ers had just two tight ends on the active roster last year yet rely heavily on the position. Curtis originally was an undrafted free agent by the Cowboys in 2005. He played 36 games (six starts) in Dallas, playing mostly on special teams and as a short-yardage tight end.
The 49ers considered signing him last offseason but he landed in Kansas City instead. Curtis said he sprained his ankle three days into training camp there and was cut on Aug. 4. He was picked up by the Eagles on Aug. 24. He played in the Eagles' final preseason game - he had four catches for 40 yards and a touchdown in the second half -- but was cut when the team signed tight end Alex Smith. He also spent three weeks on the Ravens active roster last season but was inactive every game.
Curtis (6-5, 251) lives and trains in the Dallas area. His parents live outside of Monterey.
What was your role with the Cowboys?
TC: I came in on a lot of three-tight end plays and I played some fullback as well. Over the years it changed because we had two (offensive) coordinators and the schemes changed. I did a little bit of everything. I mean, a whole bunch of special teams - anywhere they needed me, I filled that role.
You had three catches in 2007, all for touchdown. That suggests that you were a part of goal-line offense.
TC: Usually when we got into the red zone, we would go with two or three tight ends so we could run the ball or throw the ball. I wanted the ball all the time and my only opportunities just happened to be when we were in the red zone. Those plays stood out a little more than if it was a couple of yards here and there. I just tried to catch everything I could.
How would you characterize your blocking?
TC: In Dallas, the position coach, John Garrett, really emphasized technique and we kind of prided ourselves on blocking well. I feel like it's stuck with me. During my time over there, I felt like we were almost linemen first, then receivers. And it kind of paid off in the running game.
If Curtis were to make the team, he'd have to be solid on special teams. As a member of the Cowboys, two of his most memorable plays - in decidedly different ways - came on special teams. In 2007 Curtis recovered the on-side kick that set up Nick Folk's 52-yard field goal that gave Dallas an improbable come-from-behind win in Buffalo on Monday night. The following season, however, Curtis missed a block in punt formation that led to Cardinals Sean Morey blocking Mat McBriar's punt in an overtime loss to Arizona. McBriar broke his foot on the play.
-- Matt Barrows
http://www.sacbee.com/static/weblogs/49ers/archives/2010/02/meet-the-newest.html
I recently caught up with the newest member of the 49ers, tight end Tony Curtis, and he was nice enough to answer a few questions. Curtis, 26, has a shot at making the team if for no other reason than the 49ers had just two tight ends on the active roster last year yet rely heavily on the position. Curtis originally was an undrafted free agent by the Cowboys in 2005. He played 36 games (six starts) in Dallas, playing mostly on special teams and as a short-yardage tight end.
The 49ers considered signing him last offseason but he landed in Kansas City instead. Curtis said he sprained his ankle three days into training camp there and was cut on Aug. 4. He was picked up by the Eagles on Aug. 24. He played in the Eagles' final preseason game - he had four catches for 40 yards and a touchdown in the second half -- but was cut when the team signed tight end Alex Smith. He also spent three weeks on the Ravens active roster last season but was inactive every game.
Curtis (6-5, 251) lives and trains in the Dallas area. His parents live outside of Monterey.
What was your role with the Cowboys?
TC: I came in on a lot of three-tight end plays and I played some fullback as well. Over the years it changed because we had two (offensive) coordinators and the schemes changed. I did a little bit of everything. I mean, a whole bunch of special teams - anywhere they needed me, I filled that role.
You had three catches in 2007, all for touchdown. That suggests that you were a part of goal-line offense.
TC: Usually when we got into the red zone, we would go with two or three tight ends so we could run the ball or throw the ball. I wanted the ball all the time and my only opportunities just happened to be when we were in the red zone. Those plays stood out a little more than if it was a couple of yards here and there. I just tried to catch everything I could.
How would you characterize your blocking?
TC: In Dallas, the position coach, John Garrett, really emphasized technique and we kind of prided ourselves on blocking well. I feel like it's stuck with me. During my time over there, I felt like we were almost linemen first, then receivers. And it kind of paid off in the running game.
If Curtis were to make the team, he'd have to be solid on special teams. As a member of the Cowboys, two of his most memorable plays - in decidedly different ways - came on special teams. In 2007 Curtis recovered the on-side kick that set up Nick Folk's 52-yard field goal that gave Dallas an improbable come-from-behind win in Buffalo on Monday night. The following season, however, Curtis missed a block in punt formation that led to Cardinals Sean Morey blocking Mat McBriar's punt in an overtime loss to Arizona. McBriar broke his foot on the play.
-- Matt Barrows
