Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo doesn’t discriminate when it comes to throwing to open receivers. He hit 10 of them including himself (off a deflected pass) in the win over the Titans. One recipient was a guy who came into training camp late because of college participation rules and was last on the depth chart.
Nevertheless, there was Kendrick Bourne, a rookie free agent from Eastern Washington, catching four passes in six targets for 85 yards, which included a 54-yarder in the 25-23 victory. It was his biggest day as a pro. Bourne at 6-1, 203 pounds is now the 49ers’ biggest receiver. Despite his length, he puts his quickness on display often. Bourne finished fourth with a 6.73 time in the three-cone drill at the college combine last spring. Fellow rookie Trent Taylor finished sixth (6.74).
Bourne, in talking to Patrick Connor on KNBR Thursday, credited Garoppolo in part for his success.
“We call him, ‘franchise’ because he’s a natural leader,” Bourne said. “It’s on the up from here. … He was just telling me to stay locked in.”
Connor referenced Garoppolo, who wore a microphone during the Titans game. On the final drive the quarterback told his players to watch the penalties and take care of the ball. The warning reminded Connor of the movie, “The Program” in which the Omar Epps character fumbles and has to carry a football everywhere he goes while his teammates were instructed to knock it out.
Bourne said he also saw that scene (at the 3:38 mark of the interview).
“I know exactly what you’re talking about,” Bourne said. “It was a great teaching point. In this league bro, it’s serious. They don’t tolerate any fumbles. I am really deliberate about how I’m holding the ball and how I’m running with it. .. I just keep it as close to my body as possible and still be fast.”
Bourne said success of late is attributable to being patient.
“Sometimes the ball doesn’t come until late, so I have to tell myself to stay in the game,” Bourne said (2:10). “Be patient it will come. … The plays have been coming. Me thinking like that, it’s been better.”
The 49ers and Bourne face a challenge this week when the Jaguars and their dominant defense face the 49ers on Sunday at Levi’s.