Cowing credits Taylor and Shanahan for his early success with the 49ers originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
SANTA CLARA — Being a rookie receiver for the 49ers can be a daunting task, but Jacob Cowing has benefited from the knowledge and experience of his teammates and coaches during his transition to the NFL.
San Francisco coach Kyle Shanahan demands a lot from his young receivers, and Cowing is no exception. The Arizona product has been spotted at all three receiver positions and as a punt returner this summer. The rookie turned in a standout performance in the 49ers’ 16-10 preseason win over the New Orleans Saints on Sunday at Levi’s Stadium.
“It felt great,” Cowing told NBC Sports Bay Area after the game. “Going into this game, I had a lot of confidence in the practice week and the coaching staff that helped me with the plays, and my teammates as well. Very welcoming, very supportive. They really helped me build my confidence going into this game.”
Cowing caught four of his five targets for 51 yards, including a 38-yard deep pass from quarterback Joshua Dobbs late in the first half to set up San Francisco’s lone touchdown. The young receiver has been on the practice field with all four quarterbacks on the roster, illustrating Cowing’s adaptability.
“It’s the same in practice,” Cowing said. “It’s the same kind of thing. You bounce around with different quarterbacks, so you kind of get a feel for how each quarterback does his job on the field, how they throw, how they connect.
“Every quarterback I played with, I knew the style, when to expect the ball, how to expect it. It was a good feeling all the time.”
After arriving in Santa Clara as the 49ers’ fourth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Cowing hit the ground running until a hamstring injury sidelined the speedy wideout during training camp. Now back in the mix, all the classroom work Cowing endured is paying off.
The rookie credits teammate Trent Taylor not only as a source of punt returns, but also as a receiver. The eight-year NFL veteran has helped Cowing try to live up to Shanahan’s expectations on the field. As a rookie in the same system in 2017, Taylor knows exactly what his young counterpart is going through.
“He’s helped me tremendously,” Cowing said of Taylor. “He’s a guy I can go to, very open, and a guy I can always ask questions to. He’s a very genuine guy who wants me to succeed and wants to help me reach my full potential. I appreciate Trent for being there for me.”
Perhaps what sets Cowing apart is his enjoyment of the high bar Shanahan sets. The rookie seems to be thriving under his head coach’s expectations.
“I understand his perspective and his coaching behind all of that,” Cowing said. “He expects a lot from us, and I like that. I like a challenge. I like a coach who can challenge receivers and challenge me.
“I’m always up for a challenge, so with a coach like him, who brings that out of me and keeps pushing me to strive for greatness, I think we can go a long way with that.”
Cowing will get another chance to show he can be a key part of the 49ers’ offense Friday night when San Francisco plays its final preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. PT.
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