Femmefan and I have been treated wonderfully by the San Francisco 49ers since the start of Femmefan. Over the last nine years they have given me access to players, something typically reserved for the media big boys. You know the ones, the media types that do this for a living. It is a bit unusual to get player access when you are writing for a Web site and a female fan Web site at that.
In November of 2006 I conducted an interview with San Francisco 49ers fullback Moran Norris. Moran played for the 49ers in 2006 and 2007, paving the way, through his blocking, for two record setting seasons for 49ers running back, Frank Gore. In 2008 Moran was let go by the 49ers and played the 2008 season in Detroit. But, Moran, who is described as Frank Gore’s best friend on the team has returned to once again block and lead the way for Frank Gore.
The 49ers are indeed a different team under the leadership of Mike Singletary. That was pretty obvious to me and anyone else who attended pre-season training camp practices. The team seems to have a renewed vitality and enthusiasm. They take the practice field hooting and hollering. In spite of practicing this preseason with pads and banging one on one in Coach Singletary’s “Nutcracker” drills, their enthusiasm and energy is more reminiscent of college players than professional NFL players.
I had the opportunity to speak with Moran Norris on Wednesday August 26 after the 4 p.m. practice. Moran and I had a very nice, casual conversation about the 49ers, Frank Gore, Coach Singletary and the 2009 season.
FF: Moran how does the 49ers running game in 2009 compare to the running game of 2006 and 2007.
Moran: We’re trying to go back to the power running game. I’m just glad to be back blocking for Frank Gore, we complement each other really well. I’m gonna try to take it one game at a time and get the ball rolling.
FF: Now you have not only Frank Gore, one of the premier backs in the league to block for, but rookie Glen Coffee is looking really good too.
Moran: Yes, he is doing good. I just have to adapt to Coffee’s running style.
We have to learn each other’s moves and learn to anticipte the moves and trust each other.
FF: Is he a different type of runner than Gore? Do you have to change the way you block for different runners?
Moran: Yes, you do. Some runners move different from others, it’s good because everybody has their own style of running. I haven’t studied Coffee much, since he just got here. I consider Frank an all in one back, he can make you miss, he can shake and bake you in the open field, so I consider him an all in one back.
FF: So is this like fullback heaven for you with Gore and Coffee as his backup?
Moran: Laughs, yeah, I love it. We put in the time and we trust each other. We’re just trying to get it back on track, together.
FF: Did Frank miss you when you weren’t here?
Moran: Yes, he did.
FF: So Frank is happy to have you back?
Moran: Yeah, we’re hoping that it will show in the games.
FF: In 2008 you played for the Detroit Lions. They lost every game that season. How was your experience with the Detroit Lions?
Moran: Oh it was okay, it was a job. I had been released by the 49ers and even though we didn’t win any games it was better than sitting at home. It was a tough year but once you get cut you just want a place to play football.
FF: Now you have Coach Singletary, Rathman and Raye. Coach Singletary has made a real impression on those who follow the 49ers. He seems to have really motivated the players and has a certain style of communicating with them. How does he mentor you and how does he coach you?
Moran: He was one of the best players to play the game and so it means a whole lot to have him as a coach. Players can follow him more than regular coaches that never played the game. He’s been in the trenches and you have a lot of respect for a coach that played the game. I’m not saying you wouldn’t respect a coach who hasn’t played the game, but you know that this guy has been in the trenches and been in our shoes before.
