New 49ers 3rd QB learns the ropes visually due to his dyslexia

From the San Jose Mercury News:

Nate Davis' initiation into 49ers culture started months before the team drafted him. Before the combine last year, he went out to dinner with Jerry Rice — twice — nibbling at his plate while picking the brain of the NFL's all-time leading receiver.

Davis (pictured), still a little wide-eyed, wanted a photo of the meeting. But the rookie from Ball State had already learned Lesson One about the NFL.

"People say once you're a professional you don't want to ask another professional to have his picture," Davis said.

Instead, Davis took a mental snapshot — which happens to be his forte. The 49ers' fifth-round pick is a visual learner. He has a form of dyslexia that makes it difficult for him to read.

Images, though, sink in just fine.

The 49ers' willingness to teach the offense in a visual manner has allowed Davis to flourish during the preseason. Drafted as a project player, Davis officially became the No. 3 quarterback Tuesday when the 49ers released veteran Damon Huard.

Instead of always sticking his nose in the big binder of a playbook, for example, Davis watches extra film. Coaches sit with him to help point out formations and coverages.

And the kid is picking things up fast — to the surprise of the teams that passed on him in the draft for fear he couldn't keep up.

"I know that every team was a little hesitant taking me because of my learning disability,' " Davis said. "I was honest during the combine. I came out, and the first thing I told them was 'Listen, I have a learning disability.'

"I wasn't going to hide anything. I wanted them to know about it, and that I can overcome it."

Davis is 16 of 29 for a team-high 199 yards, with one touchdown and no interceptions. More than the play, coaches love the rookie's demeanor. Davis led a winning two-minute drill against Dallas last Saturday. As offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye said, "He has an ability to go fast and not hurry."

Huard was brought in during camp as a security blanket and to help teach the younger quarterbacks the tricks of the trade.

Davis learned plenty from Huard, including one final lesson about how ruthless the league can be. Davis found out about Huard's release when he realized the veteran never showed up at the quarterbacks meeting.

He was gone, just like that. That left Davis as No. 3, behind Shaun Hill and Alex Smith.

When does he see himself as No. 1?

"My goal is to learn the offense before my rookie season's over," Davis said. "I just have to put the extra hours in. That's one thing you do. You put the extra work in, and it's going to pay off sooner or later."