San Francisco 49ers DE Quinton Dial was on 49ers Radio today and had a discussion with Taylor Price on a number of topics. "Everyone is counting us out now. That's fine. I like to be the underdog," said Dial when talking about preparing for the upcoming season.
The quote was part of a larger discussion regarding incoming rookies like DE DeForest Buckner, who was the 49ers' first-round selection last month. Dial was one of the players that Buckner credited as helping him out as he adapts from college football to the pros. "They have been helping all of us younger guys out. When we watch film, they'll lean over and tell us what we are doing wrong," said Buckner earlier in the week. "They've been really helping us a lot. They make it a comfortable room to be in."
Dial confirmed that he has indeed been helping the younger guys, who aren't seen as competition that will steal reps, but players that can help improve the team. He said that he has taken Buckner under his wing and gives tips to help his game, which will help the team in the long run.
Dial knows that the success of the 49ers defense will start with the defensive line. "It really and truly starts up front. If you ain't got that solid d-line or offensive line upfront, then everything else is irrelevant," says Dial.
In February, Dial signed a three-year extension with the 49ers that maxes out at $16.5 million over the contract and guarantees him $5.3 million. He had been scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent in 2017. "Definitely blessed to have this opportunity to sign this extension and just happy to be a part of this organization," said Dial. "The grind won't stop just because I signed this extension. I still got that chip on my shoulder because I remember when I got drafted, there was a few people tweet at me saying, 'This guy gonna be a bust.'"
You can listen to the interview in its entirety at 49ers.com.
The 49ers' first round of organized team activities conclude today and the team will reconvene on Tuesday, May 24.
