Frank Gore "Tearing Up" Camp

Teammates and coaches alike are noticing the terrific camp running back Frank Gore is having, the result of an offseason conditioning program and a renewed sense of purpose in new coordinator Jimmy Raye's offense.

Put simply, Gore is tearing up camp. He hasn't taken a moment off since camp started Aug. 1 and doesn't intend to ask for any down time.

"I feel fast, strong, ready," Gore said Saturday between practices. "Every time I'm on the field, I envision being in the game. I feel great. I feel the more reps, the comfortable I will be. I'm ready to play ball."

Raye had a different way of assessing Gore's readiness: "He has the eye of the tiger this year."

Expanding, Raye said, "He has been one of the best workers in terms of preparation since we started. He has the talent and passion to be an upper-echelon guy."

It could be Gore is motivated by talk that the 49ers plan to give him a breather this season by sending in third-round draft pick Glen Coffee, who is having a stellar camp himself. Gore values his carries, as all backs do.

"I see them in tandem, working together," Raye said. "I think it is very difficult for one guy to go 16, 18, 20 weeks and carry the load."

Raye has liked what he has seen of Coffee, a one-cut-and-go type of runner.

"He carries the ball well," the coordinator said. "Carrying the ball is his biggest asset. He looks pretty big to me. He's a very rugged guy."


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(sfgate.com)