Dominick Puni, a third-round draft pick by the San Francisco 49ers, has received more practice reps than expected due to a combination of injuries and the holdout of the team's best offensive lineman, Trent Williams. Puni is making the most of his opportunities, with many wondering if the rookie might be in the running to start Week 1 against the New York Jets.
49ers offensive line coach and run game coordinator Chris Foerster spoke to reporters before Saturday's practice and was asked how Puni has performed during his first training camp.
"Awesome," Foerster responded quickly. "He's one of the better rookies. I'm not ready to crown him yet, as far as one of the better rookies, but he is one of the better rookies. The day we drafted him, or right after we drafted him, the video guy said that he called right away when he got his iPad. They send them out as soon as we get the kid [drafted] ... [Puni] said, 'Where do I get all of coach's teaching meetings?' We record everything, and he wanted every single meeting.
"By the time he showed up for rookie minicamp, which I think was two weeks after the draft, he'd watched all of my install meetings from Phase One, Phase Two, and everything we'd done to that point. He'd watched them all.
"And he answers every question right. He is a very, very intelligent kid. Doesn't say a word. Very, very smart. Very tough, strong. He doesn't sway very [much], just steady Eddie, but he works extremely hard and he's very diligent. I don't think I've had an offensive lineman—I know I couldn't sit through all those meetings. He grabbed them and ate them up."
Guard Spencer Burford continues to recover from a broken hand, opening the door for Puni or another offensive lineman to start Week 1. It's a decision that Foerster and the coaches won't make hastily.
"There is something to Monday Night Football ... and bright lights, and [Jets QB] Aaron Rodgers, the whole thing," Foerster explained. "And if you're a young player, you might ... you never know. It's just a tough thing."
As the season opener approaches, Puni's readiness and potential impact on the offensive line remain key points of interest for the 49ers.
