49ers' 1st-Round Pick Jenkins Making Strides, but Lowering Expectations

This article may hearten San Francisco 49ers fans about the prospects for their first-round pick AJ Jenkins, but don't expect it to lift Jenkins' spirits. As reported by Cam Inman of the San Jose Mercury News, Jenkins. said he doesn't get on the Internet and Google his name because "there's no point"

According to Inman, Jenkins still heard the noise about his lack of conditioning at the rookie minicamp, and says he has made "long strides." He called the criticism "irrelevant," adding that he is trying to help the team win by "playing special teams, offense or being a real good teammate."

This sounds an awful lot like a rookie who is lowering his expectations after a big reality check during the spring. Beyond his conditioning issues, Jenkins was often on the ground after plays in non-contact practices, according to Sacramento Bee beat writer Matt Barrows. With the 49ers' offseason signings of Randy Moss and Mario Manningham, plus a redeeming offseason from NFC Championship goat Kyle Williams, Jenkins might need to carve out a role on special teams just to be active on game days.

News that Jenkins would be working out on the hill, made famous by 49ers legend Jerry Rice, caused excitement in the Bay Area. Now Jenkins says he hopes to "one day" get in contact with Rice. 

Maybe that'll happen on the same day that he starts for the 49ers.