The 49ers feel as if they may have unearthed some hidden gems from the weekend’s rookie minicamp.
The team signed safety Chanceller James, wide receiver BJ Johnson III and offensive lineman Richard Levy to three-year deals.
In the past, Kyle Shanahan said he’s picked up wide receiver Taylor Gabriel and current 49ers nickel back K’Waun Williams from these rookie camps. The 49ers had close to 80 players on the field Friday for rookie minicamp, an astounding number. But it looks as if it could pay off.
In addition, the 49ers made the release of DuJuan Harris and KD Cannon official. They also cut offensive linemen Bret Treadway.
Here are bios from the players via 49ers.com.
A 22-year-old native of Spring Valley, CA, James (6-2, 208) attended Boise State University. During his five-year career with the Broncos (2012-16), he played in 35 games (24 starts) and registered 171 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, four interceptions, 3.0 sacks, seven passes defensed and one fumble recovery. As a senior in 2016, he started all 12 games in which he appeared, and notched 80 tackles, a team-high three interceptions and one pass defensed. In 2015, he appeared in 13 games (nine starts) and finished with 55 tackles, six passes defensed, 3.0 sacks and one interception. As a sophomore, he played in 10 games (three starts) and registered 36 tackles and one fumble recovery. After redshirting as a true freshman in 2012, he missed the entire 2013 season due to injury.
A 24-year-old native of Woodruff, SC, Johnson III (6-1, 210) attended Georgia Southern University. During his five-year career with the Eagles (2012-16), he played in 44 games (35 starts) and registered 92 receptions for 1,377 yards and six touchdowns. As a senior in 2016, he started all 12 games in which he appeared, and finished with a team-high 42 receptions for 600 yards and three touchdowns. In 2015, he appeared in nine games (five starts) and finished with 15 receptions for 249 yards. As a sophomore, he started all 12 games and registered a team-high 23 receptions for 312 yards and three touchdowns. In 2013, appeared in 11 games (six starts) and led the team with 12 receptions for 216 yards. Redshirted as a true freshman in 2012.
A 24-year-old native of Trenton, NJ, Levy (6-6, 315) attended the University of Connecticut. During his five-year career with the Huskies (2012-16), he appeared in 38 games (37 starts) along the offensive line. As a senior in 2016, he started in all 12 games while helping the Huskies rush for 100-or-more yards six times. In the 2014-15 seasons, he started 12 and 13 games respectively at left tackle, while seeing his first collegiate action in one game in 2013. Redshirted as a true freshman in 2012.