McKivitz, Woerner, and Jennings react to being drafted by the 49ers’

The San Francisco 49ers drafted three players on Saturday: Offensive lineman Colton McKivitz, TE Charlie Woerner, and WR Jauan Jennings. Here are each of their quick post-draft interviews.

McKivitz

I know that you’re watching alone in Arizona. Were you able to FaceTime with your parents and did your mom have her draft board ready to go?

“Oh yeah. Yeah, she had it and I know she was getting a little nervous and then I was able to do some scrambling around when I got the Zoom meeting from the coaching staff and get them on the line as well. So, we’re pretty excited for what’s to come.”

I’m just wondering, your draft analysis says that some teams were looking at you as a tackle and some as a guard. Just wondering if you knew what the 49ers were eyeing as?

“I had no idea actually. I didn’t really have a whole lot of contact with them after the Combine and leading up to this. So, it was a pretty big surprise to get a call from them actually.”

Do you have experience playing at guard?

“I played one game at guard in 2018 and then at the Senior Bowl I played at guard.”

Woerner

You have 34 catches in your career at Georgia. TE George Kittle only had about 48 when he was at Iowa. Do you see yourself as more of a blocker or as a potential receiving threat?

“I kind of see myself as a do it all guy. A guy who can do anything and really just going to do what the team asks me to do. That’s what I did at Georgia and I’ll do whatever it takes to win a ball game. I’m excited to go to the 49ers and win some ball games.”

One of my neighbors is Georgia LB Jermaine Johnson. Did you ever get a chance to lay him out in practice?

“Jermaine is a good guy. We definitely butted heads a few times in practice and we both gave it to each other a few good times.”

What are you looking forward to the most joining the 49ers?

“I’m just looking forward to joining a winning football team, learn and become a better football player. I know it’s a great on the rise team and they just played in the Super Bowl. I’m super pumped to go out there and do anything the team asked me to do to win ball games.”

A number of George Kittle’s block have gone viral on the internet or highlights have been popular during game broadcasts. I’m wondering, being on the other side of the country how close attention you pay to George Kittle’s blocking and how excited you might be to be in the tight end room with him?

“I’m super pumped to be in the tight end room with him. As a guy who blocks a lot at Georgia, I just loved watching him play. Just the way he played at the 49ers this year and how aggressive he is in the blocking game. I love to emulate him and try to be like him in my game.”

There have been some reports out there in your draft profile that said you might be able to even be a fullback. Is that something that your available to do?

“Yeah, definitely. I had to fill in at fullback a couple times in some games at Georgia. Again, I was raised to be selfless and I’ll do anything the team asks me to do. Those couple games that I had to go in at fullback, I did that to the best of my abilities. I’ll do anything for the team to win ball games. That’s what I’m all about.”

Would just like to know if the 49ers had any pre-draft conversations with you leading up to the draft?

“Yeah, I talked to their tight end coach [Jon Embree] a few times. I just really liked him. I know my agent had talked to him a little bit and stuff. I had a good feeling about it, but wasn’t sure what was going to happen when draft day came. I’m excited now.”

Are you familiar with head coach Kyle Shanahan’s offensive system at all? He’s been very creative in blocking.

“Oh yeah, definitely. I’ve watched him. I think he used to be out here with the Falcons, so I’ve definitely watched him. I like the way he calls plays. I watched the whole post-season this year and watched the 49ers a lot. I like what he does.”

Jennings

Another Vol is on the roster, CB Emmanuel Moseley. Have you had the chance to talk to him yet?

“No, I haven’t. I’ve just been too excited jumping around the house with the family.”

How much time have you had to take a look at head coach Kyle Shanahan’s offense and what excites you about joining it?

“Not too much as far as film study, but I’ve seen the playoff run they made, which was incredible. Of course I tuned in. I’m just excited to get there and be a part of the great team that they already have. For me to come in, it’s a blessing and I’m extremely grateful and cannot wait to go work my butt off for them. They gave me a chance and I’m going to do my best not to disappoint.”

Did you have contact at the Senior Bowl or Combine and have you talked to your former teammate WR Jalen Hurd recently?

“I didn’t have contact with them at the Senior Bowl, but I did talk to them during the Combine. With Jalen Hurd, I haven’t gotten to talk to him yet, but we’re all friends. That goes back to the question about Emmanuel Moseley, I can’t wait to see my bro, E-man. It’s been forever. Definitely a lot of excitement there.”

What were your conversations like with the 49ers?

“It was quick and snappy. They loved my film. They loved my tape. They really just needed me to dive deep in myself to work harder and I take that upon myself to do so.”

Is there a wide receiver in the NFL that you compare yourself to and model your game after?

“I would say [former NFL WR] Brandon Marshall and [Cleveland Browns WR] Jarvis Landry because of body positioning. They’re really good at doing that and I see myself doing that too.”

Who’s calling you?

“Actually, my coach. My head coach from Tennessee, coach [Jeremy] Pruitt. I’m declining him. I feel bad about it.”

You’ve been noted for being very physical as a receiver. Can you talk about what you bring to the game that way?

“Definitely going to bring that physicality to every game. That’s always been a part of me. That’s not just in the blocking game, because I do love to block, but it’s also when it comes to me catching the ball. I’m a great receiver after the catch and I take pride in that. I believe in myself to be able to do that at a high level.”

Just wondering what your training looks like from here on out, as there’s a lot going on with the coronavirus. What are your plans for training and getting ready for the NFL season?

“Honestly, I’m still kind of dazed and looking for when I have to report. I can’t wait to report. I’m thinking about that. I’m just going to be doing the same thing I’ve been doing during this pandemic. It’s been unfortunate. Like everyone else, I’m grateful for the people who are fighting this for us up front. I’ve just been going out to the field with my brothers. We’ve just been using the social distancing rules and just having fun throwing the football.”

Just wondering, how do you feel you fit in with the attitude and the style that the 49ers use on offense? I’m sure you caught a few games over the past couple years.

“I look at this offense and I see a receiver, [WR] Deebo Samuel. I’ve known him since the SEC days. He’s a great receiver and he’s always had that dog, that gritty attitude that I’m going to bring as well. [QB] Jimmy Garoppolo, you got him in the backfield throwing the rock. It’s just going to be hard to stop us in my mind. We’ve got a lot of weapons and I just can’t wait to go out there and help. This is a lot right now.”