Jenkins is gone, yet casts long shadow over 49ers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The whiff on receiver A.J. Jenkins in the draft haunts 49ers' evaluations of receivers in 2014 draft. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Jenkins-Casts-Shadow-Over-49ers-Receiver-Evaluations-257168551.html

McGloin working to sharpen skills in offseason

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Matt McGloin knows he won't be the Raiders No. 1 QB in 2014, but he's working hard to make himself better. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/McGloin-True-to-Form-Continues-to-Sharpen-Skills-257159191.html

Already, 2014 has been a wild (and wonderful) ride for Paralympic snowboarder Mike Shea

Mike Shea won a silver medal at the Sochi Winter Paralympics, after winning the overall World Cup snowboarding title. And those were just two of his highlights from 2014. My story on Shea for TeamUSA.org: http://www.teamusa.org/US-Paralympics/Features/2014/April/28/Mike-Sheas-winter-to-remember

Alex Deibold still riding high, weeks after winning a bronze medal in snowboard cross at Sochi Olympics

At the 2010 Winter Olympics, Alex Deibold was waxing the boards of his U.S. teammates after failing to qualify for the team. Four years later, he was on the medal stand, with a bronze in snowboard cross. He's still riding high, weeks after returning from Sochi. My story for TeamUSA.org: http://www.teamusa.org/News/2014/April/28/Deibolds-Olympic-High-Lasts-Long-Past-Sochi

Report: 49ers interested in Indiana WR Cody Latimer

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Would Indiana wide receiver Cody Latimer give 49ers what they need? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Linked-to-Indiana-Wide-Receiver-256995441.html

Among marathoners, getting the chance to run in the scenic Big Sur Marathon is at the top of the list of desired races, a true "bucket-list" race

When the Big Sur Marathon was started 29 years ago, it was a small, mostly local race. Organizers hoped it would be a classy event and sell itself to the world, because of the fantastic scenery along Highway 1. Now, it's become a destination event for runners from every corner of the globe. My story on the race for ESPN.com's Endurance Sports section: http://espn.go.com/sports/endurance/story/_/id/10834559/endurance-sports-scenery-challenges-put-big-sur-marathon-running-bucket-lists

Will the 49ers extend Crabtree deal to beyond 2014?

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Michael Crabtree can walk away from the 49ers after 2014. Will the Niners let that happen? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Crabtrees-Future-With-49ers-is-Cloudy-256709891.html

Some say Raiders should trade down to build up

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: NFL analyst Mel Kiper Jr. says the Raiders can get an impact player with the No. 5 pick, but they'd be better off to trade down and collect more picks. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Kiper-Raiders-Should-Trade-Down-to-Build-Up-256703111.html

Niners catch a break with late-season Seahawks games

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Not meeting the Seahawks until Nov. 27 and Dec. 14 may be an advantage for San Francisco. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Late-Season-Matchups-vs-Seahawks-a-Blessing-for-49ers-256538391.html

Raiders reportedly like Michigan OT Taylor Lewan

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The buzz about the Raiders in the draft has included their possibly taking one of the top two offensive tackles, Jake Matthews and Greg Robinson. But now reports say Oakland prefers Michigan's Taylor Lewan. So what does that mean? http://naturevalleytrailview.com/grand-canyon

Where does Lloyd fit in 49ers' 2014 plans?

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Wideout Brandon Lloyd, now with the team in conditioning program, says he's eager to show team what he can do. But how much playing time will he actually get? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Lloyd-Eager-to-Show-49ers-Hes-an-Impact-Player-256368231.html

Raiders' new old guys say they bring winning attitude

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: GM Reggie McKenzie wanted to bring in veteran free agents who would change the culture of the franchise, and those vets now say that's exactly what they'll do. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-New-Old-Guys-Hope-to-Spark-Winning-Attitude-256363401.html

Have 49ers wasted talents of LaMichael James?

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: It appears the 49ers are shopping LaMichael James, a running back the team never really utilized. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/James-Talents-Have-Been-Wasted-With-49ers-256189731.html

Some believe Raiders made big strides in free agency

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Some analysts believe the Raiders are a much better team now because of their splurge in free agency. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/For-Short-Term-Raiders-Improved-in-Free-Agency-256182381.html

Reports: Raiders will soon release Terrelle Pryor

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Multiple reports indicate the Raiders will cut ties with QB Terrelle Pryor today. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Reports-Raiders-Pryor-Will-Soon-Part-256026591.html

At 16, Declan Farmer played a big role in helping U.S. sled hockey team win gold at Sochi Paralympics

He's only 16, but Declan Farmer already is one of the best scorers in international sled hockey, and his play was a big part of the U.S. success in repeating as Paralympic champions at the Sochi Paralympics. My story for TeamUSA.org: http://www.teamusa.org/US-Paralympics/Features/2014/April/18/Paralympics-yield-tractor-loads-Of-experience-for-Declan-Farmer

Tyler Andrews: It's a long route from Tufts, to South America to world-record holder (on a treadmill) for the half-marathon to the 2014 Boston Marathon

Tyler Andrews' first marathon will be the 2014 Boston Marathon, the granddaddy of 'em all. It's a dream come true for the kid from Massachusetts. My story for ESPN.com's Endurance Sports section: http://espn.go.com/sports/endurance/story/_/id/10798994/endurance-sports-tyler-andrews-go-treadmill-record-boston-marathon

Little risk to 49ers in signing veteran Brandon Lloyd

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Niners' commitment to wideout Brandon Lloyd is small, so if he doesn't pan out it's no harm, no foul. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Signing-of-Lloyd-Has-No-Downside-255496341.html

Raiders' reality trumps all those mock drafts

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Seven players are tabbed in a sampling of 17 different mock drafts for Oakland's No. 5 overall pick, indicating ... well, nothing. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Mock-Drafts-for-Raiders-Reveal--Nothing-255490511.html

Oklahoma cornerback could be 49ers' next 'redshirt'

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Former Sooners cornerback Aaron Colvin, recovering from a torn ACL, could be a solid late-round pick for San Francisco if it wants to wait a season for him to be able to play. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Could-Draft-Another-Redshirt-Player-255325521.html

Lemonier gives 49ers insurance for Aldon Smith

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Second-year linebacker Corey Lemonier gives 49ers some insurance if Aldon Smith isn't available for the short or long term. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Lemonier-Gives-49ers-Linebacking-Insurance-255181441.html

Raiders may have eyes on former Pitt quarterback

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Quarterback Tom Savage, who only played one season at Pitt, may be on the Raiders' radar. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders--May-Like-Savage-as-a-Late-QB-Pick-255174481.html

Instead of mourning what she may lose because of brain cancer, San Diego's Melanie Kabo is focusing on what she has and what she can do now

When Melanie Kabo found out she had cancer, she started to mourn all the things that she might not be able to do in her life. But then she and her family sat down and created a bucket list of dreams, and set off making them a reality. Though Kabo, a young mother of four, has brain cancer, she's focusing on making every day special and relishing the first two items she crossed off her list: a new puppy and a cross-country, seven-week trip with her family. My final story on Kabo for U-T San Diego's "Courage Through Cancer" series that now comes to a close: http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/apr/14/brain-tumor-bucket-list/

49ers will probably draft a center to challenge Kilgore

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Adam Kilgore is the No. 1 candidate for the center position, but the Niners won't hesitate to bring in a young player to challenge him. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Expected-to-Draft-a-Center-254908641.html

With first pick, Raiders shouldn't take a tackle

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: With the No. 5 overall pick in the draft, Oakland should bypass the two highly rated offensive tackles at the top of the prospect lists. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Should-Bypass-Tackles-With-No-5-Pick-254903411.html

Megan Kimmel, a dominant force in trail running, is ready for more success after training in Nepal

Megan Kimmel is in Nepal, seeing the sights and running on the wide-open, high-altitude plateaus. When she returns to the U.S., Kimmel -- the best female trail runner in North America for the past six years -- will be ready to win more races. My story for ESPN.com's Endurance Sports section: http://espn.go.com/sports/endurance/story/_/id/10762596/endurance-sports-nepal-natural-step-dominant-trail-runner-megan-kimmel

Lattimore could make instant impact in 2014

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Running back Marcus Lattimore, says one former NFL exec, is better than 2013 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Eddie Lacy. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Lattimore-May-Provide-Instant-Impact-for-49ers-254743661.html

Raiders still have plenty of money left

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: GM Reggie McKenzie has spent a lot of money this offseason -- but he still has plenty left for more moves. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Still-Have-Money-to-Spend-254734671.html

49ers will bank on Tank in 2014

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Tank Carradine, who had to sit out all of 2013, could provide a jolt to Niners' pass rush this season. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-are-Banking-on-Tank-in-2014-254554591.html

WR James Jones should lift Raiders' passing attack

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Former Packer James Jones' addition gives Oakland a solid group of receivers. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Jones-Should-Have-Big-Impact-on-Raiders-Passing-Game-254546631.html

Snowboarder Evan Strong struck gold in Sochi and has continued a fast, smooth ride ever since

Evan Strong, who won the only U.S. individual gold medal at the Sochi Paralympics, has been on a fast clip since coming home, with stops in New York, the White House and a day and parade in his honor in his home of Nevada City, Calif. Now he's headed for the U.S. national championships. My story for TeamUSA.org: http://www.teamusa.org/US-Paralympics/Features/2014/April/08/With-life-moving-fast-Evan-Strong-enjoys-the-ride

49ers to miss Bowman, but don't need to draft replacement

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Sure, the 49ers could take an inside linebacker in the draft to help replace NaVorro Bowman. But it isn't absolutely necessary. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-May-be-Fine-at-Inside-Linebacker-Even-Without-Bowman-254380621.html

Linebacker Sio Moore gives Raiders a building block

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Sio Moore said the Raiders got a gem when they drafted him in 2013, and he backed up his words. Now, big things are expected in 2014. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/For-Raiders-More-of-Moore-Will-be-a-Good-Thing-254371991.html

For Raiders, what does Manziel's visit mean?

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: With Matt Schaub at quarterback now, what are the Raiders thinking in bringing in Johnny Manziel for a two-day visit? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Its-Hard-to-Know-What-Manziels-Visit-Means-254196741.html

Bowman wants to come back stronger than ever

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: NaVorro Bowman vows to come back better than ever after knee surgery and rehab. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Bowmans-Goal-Come-Back-Strong-Win-NFL-Defensive-Honor-253904811.html

Raiders' motto: In Schaub They Trust

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Oakland has gone all in on QB Matt Schaub, and some believe he'll pay off. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/In-Schaub-They-Trust-253899621.html

Can Gabbert improve? 49ers are betting he will

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Blaine Gabbert regressed in his three seasons with the Jags, but the Niners are hoping for his rebirth as a backup. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Hope-Gabbert-Can-Regain-Form-253748911.html

With first pick, do 49ers take a cornerback or receiver?

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Right after the season, the thinking was that the 49ers would use their No. 1 pick on a receiver. Has that scenario changed? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-No-1-Need-Now-Points-to-Cornerback-253575561.html

Playoffs? Suddenly, that's what Raiders are talking about

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Charles Woodson and Maurice Jones-Drew say the Oakland roster remake has them thinking about Oakland as a playoff team in 2014. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Playoffs-Some-Raiders-Believe-Postseason-is-Possible-in-2014-253568131.html

Pioneer gymnast Wendy Hilliard, through her foundation, is helping the next generation discover that sport opens the door to greater understanding

Wendy Hilliard, who grew up in Detroit, had the world open up to her as she became a nine-year member of the U.S. rhythmic gymnastics team. Now the U.S. Gymnastics Hall of Famer is opening doors for others through her Wendy Hilliard Foundation. My story for TeamUSA.org: http://www.teamusa.org/News/2014/April/01/Wendy-Hilliard-Still-In-The-Rhythm

Raiders sign Rogers, put faith in former 49ers corner duo

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Carlos Rogers and Tarell Brown have moved across the Bay to Oakland ... but are the Raiders putting too much faith in crop of free-agent veterans? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Now-Counting-on-Former-49ers-at-Cornerback-253382431.html