That is why Bruce drew some attention Saturday when he went out to the practice field -- in front of more than 2,000 fans -- wearing No. 80. (It is the jersey number that Bruce wore for 14 seasons with the Rams.)

When a reporter asked about wearing No. 80, Bruce abruptly walked away without answering. Coach Mike Nolan said Bruce has not changed his number -- he was just wearing a practice jersey.

--J.T. O'Sullivan, who's with his eighth NFL team in six seasons, has a much different personality than the other two quarterbacks with whom he's competing. He is not nearly as laid back and affable as Alex Smith and Shaun Hill. Nolan said that's why it's a good mix of personalities.

"There's a pretty big difference between all three of them with their personalities," Nolan said. "It's probably why they get along as a group pretty well. If two of them were like J.T., there might be some in-house duking.

"And if there were two of them like Alex or Shaun, it's just not enough competition. It's a good complement for one another. Kind of like opposites attract."

--Not only do the 49ers employ tight end Vernon Davis, an imposing vertical threat, but Mike Martz is tinkering with ways to get backup Delanie Walker better involved in the passing game, too.

"I consider myself an H-back," Walker said. "I'm been studying fullback, tight end, slot wide receiver. I can do all those things. I can line up in the backfield, the wing or the slot. I'm fired up because I'm in the rotation a lot more. I expect a lot out of myself this season."

Walker caught 21 passes for 174 yards and one touchdown last season after being held to two catches as a rookie. The 49ers rewarded him with a three-year, $6 million contract extension through 2012 in the offseason.

"Just because our offense wasn't productive last year doesn't mean that we can't see who a good player is," 49ers coach Mike Nolan said. "He's a good character guy -- the kind of guy that you want to sign early and keep him around."

--Nolan said he has not decided which defensive player will wear the radio device in his helmet. The logical choice is linebacker Patrick Willis, who played every defensive snap of every game last season. He does not want to reveal his thoughts on the subject.

"We'll let somebody else learn how it helps them," he said. "I'd like to know what the 31 other teams are doing with it. It would help me.

"Obviously, the whole premise of the thing is to make sure people quit stealing (signals), as we saw last year. What occurred last year (with the New England Patriots) is not right. So this will eliminate all that and stay focused on the game and the way it should be played -- with integrity and sportsmanship."

QUOTE TO NOTE: "I don't want to talk numbers, nothing. I'm just going to go out there, try to stay healthy, try to play hard and just give it all I have, you know?" -- RB Frank Gore on avoiding making a lofty prediction, such as saying last year he expected to rush for 2,200 yards.

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