San Francisco 49ers rookie wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling said he hasn't encountered any major challenges while transitioning from the college game to the NFL. That has been evident during practices, as the first-year player has emerged as a reliable target for Brock Purdy and the other quarterbacks on the 49ers roster.

Stribling also said his first "welcome to the NFL" moment has yet to arrive, though he has no doubt it eventually will. He'll suit up for his first NFL action next week when the 49ers host the Tennessee Titans in their preseason opener.


For now, Stribling continues to build a rapport with Purdy, which the rookie receiver believes is already "very good."

"He's a very talented guy," Stribling said. "Just trying to be there for him, asking questions, what can I do better, just to be the best receiver I can be."

Purdy has praised Stribling, who appears capable of exceeding expectations during his rookie season. Meanwhile, Stribling is focused on building on the trust his quarterback already has in him. He shared a simple example of what he needs to do to accomplish that.

"By getting open and catching the ball," Stribling said. "Just being a reliable source for him. That's kind of the main thing. That's all I can do on my part, just get open, catch the ball, and when it comes to me, catch it and score."

Backup quarterback Mac Jones recently praised Stribling's ability to maintain his speed as the ball approaches, something rookie wide receivers don't always demonstrate. Stribling said that skill comes from getting plenty of repetitions.


"It's just been repping it, working on it, being confident, knowing that I can still run full speed and also track the ball in the air," he said. "It's just really a confidence thing and also just a rep thing, so I'm comfortable with it."

Stribling isn't allowing the early praise to make him overconfident. He emphasized that he intends to continue competing every day to ensure his development remains on track.

De'Zhaun Stribling learning from veteran receivers


Part of that development will be aided by the veteran receivers in the 49ers' locker room, including Mike Evans and Deebo Samuel. Stribling shared what he has learned from the veteran duo so far and is eager to continue benefiting from their experience.

"Route running, physicality, the way that they can manipulate routes, and the corners in their routes," Stribling said. "Just getting open, creating separation, having strong hands at the catch point."

Evans has 12 seasons of NFL experience and has consistently performed at a high level, making him a valuable source of knowledge for the rookie. Stribling shared some of the advice he has received from the veteran.


"Talking, giving coaching points, just kind of helping me," Stribling said of Evans' help. "I can be better at this level or that level. Just seeing things that I don't see ... Just being physical, being physical at the catch point, being physical at the top, using my body, using my speed also."

De'Zhaun Stribling's first NFL action on the horizon


Now, Stribling is preparing for his first NFL game. What does he expect when the 49ers take the field against the Titans next week?

More of the same.

"For me, ball is ball," Stribling said. "I'm going to go out there, do my job, do what I do. I'm excited to be out there and experience it all, but it's not going to stop me from doing what I do and catching the ball."

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