Warriors in the Pros: Ulbrich, Sopoaga

A four-day OTA kicked off for the San Francisco 49ers today and Isaac Sopoaga lined up at starting left defensive end. It was reported earlier this month that he would also rotate in at nose tackle.

Matt Maiocco interviewed Jeff Ulbrich about coach Mike Singletary's intensity and his recent paycut.

--Linebacker Jeff Ulbrich is fully on board with Singletary's demands. "He's got a standard," Ulbrich said. "It's frustrating at times because guys are trying to adapt. It's not quite there yet. There are still some guys who are not fully on-board. But if you don't adjust and starting doing it, you're going to be out of here."

Ulbrich wants to make sure he's not out of here. That is why he accepted a pay cut this offseason from a scheduled salary of $2.23 million to $950,000. Ulbrich's goal is to do what's necessary for him to earn a roster spot this season, which would make him a rare 10-year player for the team. Ulbrich was very realistic in agreeing to the pay reduction.

"I was getting paid too much for what I'd be contributing," he said.

Ulbrich's role will primarily be on special teams. That is why he dropped 10 points from 245 to 235.

"When I've been watching film of special teams, the guys who stand out are the guys who are really fast," he said.

After today's practice, Ulbrich made the linebackers do some extra running.

After practice had concluded the linebackers did some extra running on the adjacent hill led by veteran linebacker Jeff Ulbrich.

“That was ‘Brich’s idea,” Haralson said. “He always has something extra for us all to do and it’s always good to get extra cardio and conditioning. It’s good to get your heart rate up and get your legs back tight.

The ‘backers did a total of 12 reps where they were shuffling, backpedaling and running straight up the hill.

He's gonna make an excellent coach one day. Hopefully he'll come back to UH!