2011 Senior Bowl: 49ers Scouted Brandon Fusco Multiple Times

by David Fucillo on Jan 24, 2011 4:00 PM PST in NFL Draft

I was poking around trying to find any details I could on this week's 2011 Senior Bowl and I came across an interesting note. Over at DraftInsider.net (one of the sources used for our Shrine Game coverage) they opened their Senior Bowl coverage yesterday with an interesting comment on center Brandon Fusco:

Brandon Fusco of Slippery Rock is one of the more interesting small school prospects in this game. Sixty (60) different scouts made their way through the western Pennsylvania school this season to watch Fusco practice. The Miami Dolphins, San Fransisco 49ers and Minnesota Vikings were teams that made multiple trips to see the center.

I have a couple question in regards to this bit of news. Over the course of the college football season the 49ers found themselves running with center David Baas. After Eric Heitmann went down Baas took over and finished the season with a relatively strong performance. It seems fairly likely that Baas will be the starting center going forward. He's turning 30 this year so he's not exactly a spring chicken in football years.

The team cut loose Cody Wallace last preseason and it makes sense that they might be looking for a new backup center to maybe develop into a starter. Wallace didn't work out in that role so I suppose it's back to the drawing board at the reserve role. Eric Heitmann would seem to fill that role for now, but who knows how long he'll be on the roster.

As the tea considers a guy like Fusco at this point, there are a couple ways to consider this. On the one hand, mutliple visits could indicate actual interest in Fusco. It could also simply be a case of dealing with a small school player and wanting to verify things the game film might not provide.

For those wondering who Brandon Fusco is, his biggest accomplishment this year would probably be winning the Gene Upshaw Division II Lineman of the Year Award. After finishing third in 2009, Fusco received 29 first-place and 30 second-place votes in 2010. Courtesy psacsports.org, the 6'4⅛, 302-pound center earned first-team Preseason All-America honors last summer from The Sporting News, Consensus Draft Services, D2Football.com and D2PRODAY.com and three first-team All-Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference-Western Division honors during his career.

Division II is certainly a step down in competition, but it will be interesting to see how this impacts Fusco's draft status. Scouts Inc ranks him as the 18th best center at this point. I don't know if he'll receive an invite to the Combine, but we'll keep an eye on Fusco given the multiple visits by the 49ers.

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sixth or seventh round picker

"You know whats funny? I always thought uhm dogs lay eggs and I learned something new today" Peter Griffin

by HUNGRY HUNTER on Jan 24, 2011 4:23 PM PST reply actions

nice supplemental pick for us

We could always get extra help on the line.

Jay Cruise
Ab Workouts Mind Body Spirit Arthritis Treatment

by wellnesscoach on Jan 24, 2011 4:31 PM PST reply actions

So much for consistency in prospect evaluations ...

Scouts Inc. ranks Fusco as the 18th best center; DraftScout has him as 6th best, and DraftTek as 5th best. All seem to agree that he’ll go in the sixth round. ???

by 49erFanSince1950 on Jan 24, 2011 4:32 PM PST reply actions

thanks for the info

have no idea who this kid is

"Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die."

im gonna be all up on you like a spider monkey!

i can just see delonte west winning a game of poker against lebron, throwing down the cards he yells, "who's your daddy!"...."oh, sorry man"

by remembering9ergods on Jan 24, 2011 4:49 PM PST up reply actions

rankingso

One thing to note in Scouts Inc is that 30 is their lowest rating (100 is highest) and he was tied with a bunch of guys with 30 ratings. I’ll check how many 30s there are. For them I don’t think rankings mean as much.

by David Fucillo on Jan 24, 2011 5:01 PM PST via mobile up reply actions

Can we call him Fooch too?

Jim Harbaugh, new Head Coach of the San Francisco 49ers. Now what?

by drummer on Jan 24, 2011 4:39 PM PST reply actions

hmmm

You can call him whatever you want but I don’t think it rolls off the tongue quite the same way.

by David Fucillo on Jan 24, 2011 4:59 PM PST via mobile up reply actions

I believe Heitmann will be back to 100% next year.

Some of us will do our jobs well and some will not, but we will be judged by only one thing -- the result. -Lombardi

by Drew Kerr on Jan 24, 2011 4:59 PM PST reply actions

i have a hard time thinking that.......

"I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that don't work." - Thomas Edison

"I may be an idiot, but one thing I'm not sir, is an idiot." - Peter Griffin

by mikeinsp on Jan 24, 2011 5:04 PM PST up reply actions

Heitmann

He’ll be 100% but I just wonder what the plan is. Does Baas or Heitmann play center and the other go for the guard position against Rachal? Does the team go starter/backup at center with both? Or do they let Heitmann walk as RFA?

by David Fucillo on Jan 24, 2011 5:26 PM PST via mobile up reply actions

I think Baas may wind up the back up Center.

Snyder and Chilo will be the RG’s. And we will get another guy either FA or the draft to back up Iupati.

So…

LT – Staley/ Sims
LG – Iupati/ Rookie or FA
C- Heitmann/ Baas
RG – Snyder/ Rachal
RT – Davis/ Rookie or FA

Wragge will probably fit in there somewhere too.

Now this Fusco kid, should they like him enough…which it seems, could wind up backing up Heitmann also. That could shake things up a bit as far as back up spots, but ultimately I thin Heitmann stays.

Some of us will do our jobs well and some will not, but we will be judged by only one thing -- the result. -Lombardi

by Drew Kerr on Jan 24, 2011 5:36 PM PST up reply actions

LT- Staley/ Sims
LG- Iupati Snyder
C Heitmann/ Fusco
RG Baas/ Rachal
RT Davis/ Boone

That is a nice starting O line

by SanFranciscoKnights on Jan 24, 2011 5:45 PM PST up reply actions

THIS

by Giants49war on Jan 24, 2011 10:08 PM PST up reply actions

Do we really need Sims?

I like him and all but is he worth 2.1M when we have Boone?

by asmithisaverage on Jan 25, 2011 9:57 AM PST up reply actions

Sims was on a one year contract.

So Boone is going to be the primary backup for both Tackles.

I survived the David Carr Press Conference Thread 3/06/2010
Credit to iaalexeeff

The New and Improved Bay Area Connections:
Madison Bumgarner to Gerald Buster "Jesus" Posey
Stephen Curry to David Lee
(insert QB here) to Michael Crabtree

by Hoopers Judge on Jan 24, 2011 8:19 PM PST via mobile up reply actions

We need to give Sims another 1-year

Some of us will do our jobs well and some will not, but we will be judged by only one thing -- the result. -Lombardi

by Drew Kerr on Jan 24, 2011 10:06 PM PST up reply actions

You can't think of another position where $2.1M could be better spent?

I can think of many. If Boone is more incompetent than he has looked, fair point.

by asmithisaverage on Jan 25, 2011 9:58 AM PST up reply actions

alex boon?

"You know whats funny? I always thought uhm dogs lay eggs and I learned something new today" Peter Griffin

by HUNGRY HUNTER on Jan 24, 2011 10:50 PM PST up reply actions

This

I don’t understand why he seems to be written off by so many. He is still top 2 linemen on the team. He will have had lots of time to heal, I fully expect him to be back to take the starting center spot next year. Baas did an admirable job this year under the circumstance, but he is not our best option I believe.

In Jed We Trust?

by jonesin25 on Jan 24, 2011 9:17 PM PST up reply actions

I already know manraj7's question

Is he smart?

by hudd07 on Jan 24, 2011 5:41 PM PST reply actions

that's actually a good question to ask about a Center.

the Center calls blocks for the entire o-line, so it’s one of the more intellectual positions.

We don't need 8 in the box. We have 52 in the box.

by these3words on Jan 25, 2011 12:19 AM PST up reply actions

with Baas at center

Heitman and Wragge and Snyder able to play also would this guy just be another practice squad player? There is a speedy wr from Boise state at the senior bowl that looks a lot like Desean Jackson. Keep an eye on him.

by wtlichens on Jan 24, 2011 6:07 PM PST via mobile reply actions

niners need young lineman as backups for the long term.

wragge, sims and heitman are getting older. not to mention bass.

snyder is free agent after next season.

so only real long term back up is boon…..

I can see 8 lineman next year. all the starters this year plus boon, snyder and rookie C. possibly sims.

"You know whats funny? I always thought uhm dogs lay eggs and I learned something new today" Peter Griffin

by HUNGRY HUNTER on Jan 24, 2011 10:53 PM PST up reply actions

Confused?

I never understood the full story with Heitmann, but it smells of the coaching of Sing?

My time line if I remember right:

1: Hietmann has the worst possible scenario and breaks his leg and is expected back in 4 to 6 weeks.

2: Heitmann suits up for the Raiders game but never plays a down.

3: Heitmann is mysteriously placed on IR shortly there after with a neck injury with no chance of coming back for a playoff run.

Something never seemed right to me with that series of events.

I think a motivated/healthy Heitmann should be center next year and Bass can play any other spot if need be on the o line. IMO, keep the rookies and keep Bass and Heitmann. The others: Staley, Sims, Rachel, Wragge, and Snyder are to easy to replace in the draft. I do have a soft spot for Boone but no good rational for it.

Imagination is more important than knowledge. Less film more creativity please.

by littlejoe on Jan 24, 2011 6:26 PM PST reply actions

he hurt it before he broke his leg.

it was nagging injury that never heeled. it smells but I believe it.

"You know whats funny? I always thought uhm dogs lay eggs and I learned something new today" Peter Griffin

by HUNGRY HUNTER on Jan 24, 2011 10:54 PM PST up reply actions

Twitter on both of the CBs I want the 49ers to draft this year

Burney and Jalil Brown really outperformed WRs in blocking drills, that is why i really like Burney

Colorado CB Jalil Brown showed off some major physicality today. He was hitting players after the play, gave it 110%

1.QB Ryan Mallett 2.CB Jalil Brown 3.CB Kendric Burney 4. G Ben Ijalana 4.S Tyler Sash 5.RB Brandon Saine 6.WR Lester Jean 6. Nose Tackle 7. Kicker 7.QB Tyrod Taylor

by supraman on Jan 24, 2011 7:39 PM PST reply actions

The couple of Colorado games I caught this year... I liked both CB's for the Buff's.

Smith and Brown can both be really good at the next level.

Some of us will do our jobs well and some will not, but we will be judged by only one thing -- the result. -Lombardi

by Drew Kerr on Jan 24, 2011 7:55 PM PST up reply actions

Jimmy Smith gives up way too many easy ones

Jalil Brown – forces the WR outside and QBs are either apprehensive to throw outside or if it’s not a designed play, don’t really look outside too much. So by that token, he shouldn’t be nickeled and dimed at the next level. As the “tweet” says he’s very physical and the Buff’s from time to time bring their CBs very close to the LOS, making jamming your WR vital. From what I’ve seen this is when teams attack Jimmy Smith.

Kendric Burney – Honestly, I didn’t have him as a physical corner, and by showing that he is only adds to Burney’s resume. He’s the most instinctive corner in this draft class. His coverage abilities are up there by the top too. The knock on him is being too small. But as a nickel corner he’d be perfect.

1.QB Ryan Mallett 2.CB Jalil Brown 3.CB Kendric Burney 4. G Ben Ijalana 4.S Tyler Sash 5.RB Brandon Saine 6.WR Lester Jean 6. Nose Tackle 7. Kicker 7.QB Tyrod Taylor

by supraman on Jan 24, 2011 11:40 PM PST up reply actions

I knew nothing of him until today

I watched the Senior Bowl practice and he did show some nice flashes of coverage. I wasn’t to impressed with some of the receivers though. That kid, Brown I think his name is from San Diego St? He looked really good, nice hands, route running and cutting ability.

In Jed We Trust?

by jonesin25 on Jan 24, 2011 9:27 PM PST up reply actions

Vincent Brown

He was on my list in the draft thread a few days ago. He really tore it up at SDSU. Best player there since Marshall Faulk.

Some of us will do our jobs well and some will not, but we will be judged by only one thing -- the result. -Lombardi

by Drew Kerr on Jan 24, 2011 10:07 PM PST up reply actions

Ronnie Hillman would like a word with you

1.QB Ryan Mallett 2.CB Jalil Brown 3.CB Kendric Burney 4. G Ben Ijalana 4.S Tyler Sash 5.RB Brandon Saine 6.WR Lester Jean 6. Nose Tackle 7. Kicker 7.QB Tyrod Taylor

by supraman on Jan 24, 2011 11:41 PM PST up reply actions

I’d have to agree. I haven’t checked where he stands on the current mock boards, but it seems like he could be a steal in the draft. Although, after the senior bowl and combine I could very well see him being one of the higher sought after WR’s.

In Jed We Trust?

by jonesin25 on Jan 24, 2011 11:41 PM PST up reply actions

Dont Sleep on Division 2 talent

I personally played against 2 nfl starters from the PSAC…Bloomsburg’s Jaihri Evans (now a pro bowl G drafted in the 2nd rnd) and Shippenburg’s Brent Grimes ( who is the best db on the falcons roster despite being 5’8"). This guy Fusco has had more attention then both these guys combined so i’m a bit leery but i’ve watched two of his games and he can make it in the league. Good coaching and a quick adjustment to the pro game should get him some playing time soon.

I know it is a step down in talent across the board but don’t underestimate these players’ drive and determination. They have a humongous chip on their shoulders and work harder than anybody when given their opportunity.

These guys just have to adjust. You’d be surprised how fast that can happen.

Give tha guy a break...I remember losing most of our games because of mistakes by players that did not play the quarterback position.

I'm sure Norv Turner is a good judge of a good QB...even he said the guy can be good w/ quality people around him.

by NewAgecorner1 on Jan 25, 2011 6:46 PM PST reply actions

Draft??

i would draft a center to be groomed………but Bass and Heitman can hold the fort down for now. If need be move Bass to RG and Heitman to Center………..you do know that Heitman was drafted as a G,Right? So,that would make then interchangeable. Cut Rachal if he isn’t panning out…………but he is not getting the job done!!!! Look, Remember Kyle Kosier He is now the Starting LG for the Cowboys!! why didn’t the 49ers keep him?? He is better than Rachal hands down coming out of college. I think they gave up on Cody Wallace because of his work ethic and commitment to the team. But at Texas, he was a top rated center when he came out………….so you really have to be careful in your picks!!! Number one need for the 49ers is at Cornerback!!! Patrick Peterson is flying high on the draft boards as is LB Von Miller. Both are wothy of the pick………either move Clements to safety or cut him!! He gets burned too much by slow ass recievers!!!! He takes too many chances and he is not a shut down corner!!! Get Asomopha from the Raiders!!! I would pay him to shut down that side of the field.

by slammin on Jan 27, 2011 12:01 PM PST reply actions