The purpose of these "Take 5" pieces is to familiarize true 49ers fans with some of the players who will be wearing the team's colors for the first time this exhibition season. When the starters have checked out of the lineup, these are the players who will get their chances to show if they have what it takes to play at this level.
Today, we keep it local.
Receiver Robert Jordan set a Cal record with a pass reception in 41 consecutive games, but he did not receive an invitation to the scouting combine. Cal teammates DeSean Jackson and Lavelle Hawkins got most of the attention around the draft. Jackson was drafted in the second round (Eagles), while Hawkins was chosen in the fourth round (Titans).
Jordan never heard his name called. The 49ers signed Jordan as an undrafted free agent. He is lining up at the Z (flanker) and also in the slot in three-receiver sets to be utilize his 5-11, 172 size.
Jordan had a thrill at Cal's pro day in April when he met Jerry Rice, who was mentoring Jackson. "I shook his hand and told him I was honored to meet him," Jordan said of Rice.
Instant 49ers: What's the biggest challenge facing you with the 49ers?
Jordan: The playbook, by far. Getting in the playbook and figuring out what I'm doing and why I'm doing it. Everything else is falling into place, but the biggest challenge isn't the physical, it's the mental, and knowing my assignments.
Instant 49ers: Is learning Mike Martz's offense everything you thought it would be?
Jordan: I've been in a West Coast offense, coming from coach Jeff Tedford. It's real similar. I played the Z for three years at Cal. Being in a system at Cal and learning the West Coast offense and knowing what they're trying to get done, it's helped me here. A lot of the plays are identical to what coach Tedford did. It's just a different name and a different way to run it.
Instant 49ers: When you came to the local combine did you know the 49ers were interested?
Jordan: I had a couple calls before the draft was even over. Cleveland and the 49ers called. I talked to my agent. I'm a local, Bay Area guy. I feel I can make an impact on this team. I feel I can help this team, and keep my fan base in the Bay Area. From high school to college to the pros. That played a big part of me coming to the 49ers. I always liked this organization, and growing up Jerry Rice was my favorite receiver. What other team would I rather play for?
Instant 49ers: Growing up in the East Bay, you were more of a 49ers guy?
Jordan: I was born and raised Oakland. I just went to high school in Hayward. I was a Raiders fan growing up, but you can't go against Jerry, especially me playing receiver my whole life. I kept it hush around my family because they are Raiders.
Instant 49ers: What have you learned about the game in the few weeks you've been around the 49ers?
Jordan: Just study, study and get stronger. This is a grown man's game now. This is a big business. There are no more scholarships getting handed out. Nothing is guaranteed. One of the main things I've learned here is not to get comfortable. Just always take it one day at a time and go hard, and you can never get comfortable.
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