49ers’ Dawson enjoys being a mentor

Associated Press

SANTA CLARA, Calif.

One’s the oldest on the team by a long shot at 40 and entering his 17th NFL season. The other is a poised rookie and the 49ers’ youngest player who just turned 21 in June.

Veteran placekicker Phil Dawson is thoroughly enjoying his role as mentor for strong-legged punter Bradley Pinion, and the two have spent their time early in training camp finding a rhythm and learning each other’s tendencies.

During practice, Dawson and Pinion slap hands after a field goal before moving back and trying again from farther out. They have lockers next to each other in Levi’s Stadium.

“We’re building camaraderie,” Dawson said after a recent workout. “It’s going to take some time, but man, he’s super talented. He’s got a great attitude. It’s just going to come with reps and reps and he understands that. I understand that, so it’s just every day we come out, put a little more work in. The goal is to be ready Week 1. If we have a hiccup here or there in preseason, that’s not what we’re aiming for, but the goal is Week 1, be ready to rock and roll.”

In the months since the 49ers selected him in the fifth round of the draft, Pinion has done just about everything possible to show he belongs as a rookie: He has a strong foot, his punts have serious hang time and they’re tricky to catch with plenty of spin, and he has clicked with Dawson since Day 1.

The 49ers felt so confident in Pinion they traded three-time All Pro Andy Lee to Cleveland.

Coach Jim Tomsula guards against becoming too giddy observing the impressive young punter — and he is awfully fun to watch.

“Again, Bradley’s not done a thing with a live rush or anything. So, I want to make sure we temper that,” Tomsula said. “But yes, we all see the same things on the field with the talent. It’s there.”

Dawson and Pinion have worked tirelessly to find their timing together, striking a bond in the process.

“I enjoy still learning,” Dawson said. “I get a super talented kid who can do some special things with the football, and as someone who studies kicking and punting and is always looking to learn, it’s a new guy to learn from and another new friend to make.”