Like most days, Onye Ibekwe suits up for practice by putting on his 49er gear – except he’s not running early-bird suicide drills with LBSU basketball head coach Larry Reynolds.
Actually, its not even basketball season.
It’s not LBSU. And it’s not college ball.
It’s the San Francisco 49ers.
With 49er training camp underway, Ibekewe, the 6-foot-8-inch 254-pound free agent pick-up, is looking forward to taking his two-year contract and winning a roster spot as a tight end, despite not playing football since high school.
“I haven’t played football since the 10th grade but I’ve picked up quick,” said 22-year-old Ibekwe. “I’m starting from scratch now, but I’ve been putting in extra work in the weight room and field.”
Despite the lingering uncertainty in Ibekwe’s lack of football experience, a quality his teammates garnered in college, 49ers head coach Mike Nolan believes Ibekwe’s chances of making the roster are as good as anyone’s.
“You take him to a combine and he shows really well, but he hasn’t played football since high school, so everybody is curious what kind of football player he is,” Nolan said in a statement released by the 49ers media personnel. “I can see when I watch him that football isn’t there yet, but it can come. He’s a great developmental project.”
Reynolds believes Ibekwe has the physical attributes to make the team, either as a tight end or on special teams, but has a world of challenges ahead of him, going from college basketball to the NFL.
“It’s a tough transition and it’s something only he realizes but he needs to take one step at a time. It may take him a while but he has the skills they’re looking for,” Reynolds said. “At his size he is a very impressive physical specimen. He’s had some experience and the quickness and the speed.
“The thing is finding the right fit at the right position. Who knows, nowadays a player can make the team on special teams.”
Ibekwe is facing tough competition at the tight end position.
The 49ers go into camp with Vernon Davis, the 49ers first round draft pick, and Eric Johnson, a six-year pro who lead the 49ers in receiving and established career-highs in 2004 with 82 receptions and 825 yards.
With training camp running through Aug. 23, Ibekwe and his teammates have time to show coaches the glimpse they’re looking for, even if it’s a 49er squad with a surplus of talent at the tight end position.
“[Ibekwe] wants to make it, he wants to do well and that’s a great start. He’s got something going for him,” Nolan said. “He’s certainly getting a good chance. I hope for them all to make it, but I just have to be realistic, we can’t keep them all. Like I tell them, ‘You’re either going to beat somebody out and make us better, or the guy in front of you is going to get better to keep his job.'”
With or without doubts and uncertainties, Ibekwe remains hopeful he will make the opening day roster.
“Out here you have to bring it everyday. It’s a big challenge because you have to battle for your spot but I’ve been working hard and I realize I’m at a level where the pros are a lot smarter, stronger and faster,” Ibekwe said. “Physically – I know I got it. Mentally – I know I got it, so it’s all there. I just have to continue to be a student of the game.
“My chances are great. I’m in a great city, great atmosphere with great coaches and players. Plus, I’ve always been a Niners fan.”