C.J. Beathard, Victor Bolden, Asa Jackson talk 49ers-Chargers

The San Francisco 49ers wrapped up their preseason on Thursday, and that meant reserves got a lot of playing time. There are quite a few players competing for a handful of roster spots, making Thursday’s game that much more important.

We’ve got some comments from three players looking to make a name for themselves in the game. C.J. Beathard will make the 49ers 53-man roster, but he was competing to claim the backup quarterback job. Victor Bolden has impressed as a return man, returning a 104 yard kick for a touchdown in Week 2, and adding a 92-yard punt return for a touchdown Thursday night. Asa Jackson got extensive playing time at cornerback and impressed with a pair of interceptions and solid work against the run.

49ers QB C.J. Beathard

Did you consider going down before that hit?

“No, I didn’t. It didn’t really cross my mind. If I didn’t think I could make that guy miss, I probably would have tried to slide, but I felt like I could make him miss and it worked.”

What was going through your head when you scored that touchdown?

“Honestly, I was kind of surprised like ‘Man, I can’t believe I just scored.’ I was tired and then a bunch of guys came over and jumped on me. I was out of breath, but it was really exciting.”

Can you remember the last time you had a touchdown run that long?

“I don’t think I’ve ever had a touchdown run that long.”

You got hit a couples times before that on the blind side. Were you thinking of scrambling out after those couple of hits?

“No, that’s just something that when you run and scramble, it’s kind of on the spot. It’s part of the game, getting hit and having to move in the pocket and make plays. It all depends on every play.”

What are the biggest things you’ve learned from San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan as a quarterback?

“Just how to get through progressions. First off, I had to learn the offense and think how he thinks as much as possible, because it’s his offense. He goes through every play in his head just as a quarterback would. You want to try and be on the same page as he is and think like him, so we’re on the same page as much as possible.”

Victor Bolden

How do you feel?

“It feels really good. The credit goes to the blockers, man. They did a good job both times out there, and opening the hole for me. My whole time was to take advantage of every opportunity. I did that both chances.”

How do you feel how you earned a spot?

“It’s like [San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan] coach Shanahan says, ‘No day is more important than the other.’ To earn a spot on the team it all started in practice since day one. To put a lot of good things on tape, and continue to do well in the game, as well.”

Asa Jackson

You had a great performance today with two interceptions. How did you feel about your performance?

“I’m just thankful to God and thankful for this opportunity from this team. If anybody knows, I wasn’t signed until early August. Just getting this opportunity this last month has been incredible. It’s something that I’m not taking for granted. All of the glory goes to God. I’ve been praying for something like this for a long time, and I’m just thankful.”

Do you think tonight’s performance earned yourself a spot on the roster?

“That’s not my job. My job is to just make plays and let the cards fall where they may. I tried to do my best tonight, and I can honestly say I left it all out there on the field. Whatever happens after that is just going to happen.”

Did you have to play catch-up coming into the scheme late?

“Absolutely. I’m still learning. I’ve been fortunate enough that we have some great coaches here that have done a great job getting me up-to-speed as fast as I can. This is a new scheme for me. I’ve never played in a scheme like this in my five years before this, but I love it. It’s pretty corner-friendly.”