Adrian Colbert spent some time this offseason training with three-time first-team All-Pro Earl Thomas. The second-year San Francisco 49ers safety spoke with reporters on Thursday and shared what he took away from the experience.
"Just the mental aspect," Colbert said. "Just the way he approaches the game with film and the way he communicates, like with [Richard Sherman]. They were together for eight years. And just the relationship that they had, it really helps. It's really going to help me try to establish the same relationship that he had with Earl, with him, and with Ahkello (Witherspoon), and whoever else I play with."
Colbert knows that having Sherman on the offense will be big for his development. He is taking advantage of the opportunity. The safety shared what his relationship with the savvy veteran corner has been like so far.
"I just take the younger-brother role," Colbert said. "That's what I am. He's the veteran. He's been All-Pro. He's been to where we want to be so I just take everything I can get from him as far as holding myself accountable and holding everybody else accountable."
What has Colbert specifically learned from Sherman both on the practice field and in the classroom?
"Holding me accountable to making sure my footsteps are on point, making sure my footwork is locked in, making sure I know the responsibilities, making sure I'm communicating with both corners and safety in (Jaquiski) Tartt."
Colbert, a seventh-round draft pick last year, started six of the 49ers' final seven games as a rookie. He finished 2017 with 37 combined tackles, five passes defensed, and two forced fumbles in 14 game appearances.