Last week's minicamp provided media with three opportunities to speak with San Francisco 49ers players. The Sacramento Bee has posted several videos, including the Quinton Dial interview above.
It is not an earth-shattering interview, but it is still at least a little bit interesting. He talked about how he and Tank Carradine are looking to make the most of this opportunity. The departure of Justin Smith and Ray McDonald has opened the door for Dial and Tank to boost their playing time.
Dial developed into the team's starting nose tackle last year following injuries to Ian Williams and Glenn Dorsey, but he is potentially looked at as a 3-4 defensive end. He has gotten opportunities on the right side in some of the open practices, but he indicated he has also gotten some work on the left side and at nose as well. Jim Tomsula has talked a fair amount about getting practice time at multiple positions for their defensive linemen. Dial joins Dorsey as arguably the most flexible when it comes to position.
Dial stands a good chance of moving into the starting lineup this year. There will likely be extensive rotation when the team gets into their nickel defense, but Dial could end up being one of the more prominent players on this defensive line. Not too shabby for the former fifth round pick.