SANTA CLARA -- Quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s voice is being heard more often in the 49ers’ wide receivers meetings.
Kaepernick, entering his second full season as the starter and with a new long-term contract, is being more vocal with his deep stable of pass-catchers.
“The coaches have a lot more confidence in me doing that,” Kaepernick said. “I have a lot more confidence doing that now, as far as making sure we’re on the same page and seeing the same thing when we’re on the field.
“Ultimately when we step out there, there’s not going to be a coach telling you to run the route like this. It’s going to be you and the receiver so you have to have the communication.”
Michael Crabtree emerged as a 1,000-yard receiver in 2012 after Kaepernick replaced Alex Smith in the middle of the season. Last season, Anquan Boldin’s 1,179 receiving yards were the most for a 49ers receiver since Terrell Owens had 1,300 in 2002. Those players return, and have looked impressive through one week of camp.
This summer, Kaepernick is also working with second-year player Quinton Patton, along with newcomers Stevie Johnson, Brandon Lloyd and rookie Bruce Ellington.
Kaepernick said his reason for being more assertive is to help create a rapport with the new wideouts, as well as his eagerness to take on more of a leadership role in his fourth year as a pro.
“We want to make sure Stevie, Brandon and Ellington are on the same page with what we have been doing,” Kaepernick said. “At the same time I want to make sure everyone hears what I’m saying, so they see things from my perspective, and I hear things from their perspective on how they want to run routes.”
