SANTA CLARA — Fred Warner has an interesting relationship with 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk.
Earlier in the week, the third-year wide-out joked that Warner is the “most annoying player on the defense to go up against in team drills." The linebacker, who is known as a trash talker on the field explained the intent behind his actions.
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“Specifically with Brandon, I chose him out,” Warner said on Saturday. “And I’ll say why. I think he’s ready to make that next step and to play at an elite level. Ever since he got here I’ve gotten after him a little bit going around the locker room and around the building because I know how much he has in him.
“And I know if I nag him a little bit, he’s going to get tired of that and kind of hold his own.”
Aiyuk, who has come into training camp after preparing all offseason, already has been a standout at practice. The top target for both quarterbacks Trey Lance and Nate Sudfeld, the wideout is showing his potential for what could be a breakout season.
Warner has been impressed by Aiyuk at training camp thus far. The linebacker knows that when it comes down to the wire, the team is going to need one of their top targets to be able to keep the sticks moving in tough situations.
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Contested catches in “sticky coverages" and in third-down situations are what Warner knows the team is going to need from Aiyuk. Being a little hard on the receiver in practice only has upped Aiyuk’s game.
“I like what I see out of B.A.,” Warner said. “He works super hard. He’s starting to really getting into that mindset that he’s the guy, and he’s capable. I’m just trying to get the best out of him. That’s also just putting pressure on me. I’m also trying ways to get the best out of myself.”
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Warner believes that the pressure he puts on Aiyuk, Lance, himself and the rest of the team will only benefit them all when it comes to the regular season. With Lance and the offense facing one of the toughest defenses in the league in Warner and Co., nothing will come as a surprise.
“I’m just trying to get everyone battle ready,” Warner said. “When you get down to it, there’s a lot of games where it comes down to one or two scores. You want to be able to look across and think, this is nothing, I’ve been going against the best all training camp. So now you go out there and you have extreme confidence knowing that you’re prepared.”
Expect to see more of the battle between Aiyuk and Warner once practice resumes on Monday, August 1st.