Tukuafu taking on a new role Posted on June 5, 2012 at 2:11 pm by Kevin Lynch in 49ers

Defensive linemen Will Tukuafu looks like he can add a new line to his resume – fullback. The 293-pounder caught a swing pass from Alex Smith in the red zone on Tuesday and barreled into the end zone during team drills.

With Bruce Miller the only returning fullback from last year, Tukuafu could be the back up and could play the role of the next Fridge Perry for the 49ers. Frequently, the 49ers used Isaac Sopoaga at fullback, and maybe that chore will be transferred to Tukuafu. It’s early June and roles on this team are not set, but Tukuafu looks like good at not only receiving but blocking.

“Will’s doing a great job athletically,” coach Jim Harbaugh said. “I think the best will come when he puts on the pads, and that’s when it will get really exciting and fun.’

Tukuafu made the team last year, but was then placed on injured reserve with a wrist injury after recovering a fumble in the team’s opening day win against the Seahawks.

Tukuafu is playing offense and defense equally. “He’s a very physical, very smart player, we felt like it was something he would excel at,” Harbaugh said.

Here are some other highlights from Tuesday’s off-season practice.

-Harbaugh mentioned tight end Vernon Davis as having an outstanding off-season.

-Harbaugh continues to mention the attendance of these volunteer practices as a plus. Only linebackers NaVorro Bowman and Cam Johnson missed practice Tuesday. Johnson had a surgical procedure but should be ready for training camp. Harbaugh said Bowman’s absence was not because of anything significant.

-A number of the Stanford players including defensive end Matthew Masifilo and wide receiver Chris Owusu could be back at the team’s only official minicamp next week. Stanford is going through finals right now.

-Randy Moss made a juggling, one-handed catch in the end zone.

-Harbaugh mentioned Perrish Cox as standing out and Harbaugh believes Cox has a chance as a special teams player and possibly a nickel back.

-Harbaugh also mentioned the entire secondary as making strides, particularly Tramaine Brock, who is looking faster than he did last year.

-Josh Johnson ran one of the two-minute drills and it started well with three straight completions, but the second-string offensive line allowed two sacks and led to four straight incompletions.

-Johnson looked impressive earlier in practice firing a pass to wide receiver Michael Crabtree in the back of the end zone from the 3-yard line.

-Scott Tolzien showed good arm strength on sideline routes today. Harbaugh maintains that all four of the team’s quarterbacks are NFL worthy and is looking forward to seeing them in preseason games.

-First-round pick A.J. Jenkins made a twisting fingertip catch after dropping some earlier passes. Jenkins has dropped a lot of passes in these early workouts but is showing a glimpse of his potential.

-Randy Moss, who has been excellent, failed to locate a long pass from Johnson in the end zone. He can’t catch them all.

-Pac-12 referees officiated Tuesday’s practice and will likely be present for next week’s minicamp.