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Newly anointed starter Anthony Davis will make history simply by trotting out to the field.
Davis will become the youngest offensive lineman ever to start a 49ers game, according to new research by team historian Donn Sinn. The rookie from Rutgers will be 20 years, 11 months and 29 days old when the 49ers play their regular-season-opener on Sept. 12.
He is a full year younger than the previous 49ers record-holder as the youngest starting lineman. Roland Lakes was 21 years, 11 months and 24 days old when he suited up in 1961.
Just don’t offer Davis a toast to his accomplishment. He’s is not allowed to drink champagne.
The rookie is, however, wise enough to know his place this training camp. “Come in and listen to the vets and try to not make the same mistake twice,’’ Davis said. “You have to stay focused and be coachable and listen and believe in yourself.
At 6-foot-5, 323 pounds, Davis hardly looks like a kid. But he’s five months shy of being the youngest 49ers starter ever, at any position. The only player to get into the lineup at an earlier age was Charlie Powell, who was 20 years, 6 months, 22 days when he played defensive end in 1952.
Now it’s Davis’ turn. Ready or not, here he comes.
“I think there is a toughness there,’’ coach Mike Singletary said. “I think he has the tools and he continues to work his tail off in practice. This is something that he really wants to be good at.”
Sinn, the human treasure trove of 49ers information, researched the youngest players question at the request of The Mercury News. He added that Powell’s debut seemed to go OK. After a 28-0 victory over the Detroit Lions, Powell was awarded the game ball – the first time that a 49ers rookie had been so honored.
Here’s Sinn’s complete list:
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YOUNGEST 49ERS PLAYERS TO START A REGULAR SEASON GAME
No. Player – Pos. Birthdate 1st Start Chronological Age
1. Charlie Powell – E 04Apr32 12Oct52 20 yrs 06 mos 22 days
2. Anthony Davis – T 11Oct89 12Sep10 20 yrs 11 mos 29 days
3. Dicky Moegle – HB 14Sep34 25Sep55 21 yrs 0 mos 19 days
4. Alex Smith – QB 07May84 09Oct05 21 yrs 05 mos 28 days
5. Roland Lakes – C/T 25Dec39 19Nov61 21 yrs 11 mos 24 days
Youth is Served on O-line