Jim Harbaugh rushes to defense of A.J. Jenkins

The San Francisco 49ers surprised a lot of people when they selected A.J. Jenkins in the first round.

Now, coach Jim Harbaugh is going to extended lengths to defend Jenkins, who has been criticized some since offseason workout program. He offered up comments on Jenkins on Sunday without being prompted.

“For those scribes, pundits, so-called experts who have gone as far to say that he is going to be a bust – just stop,” Harbaugh said in a transcript sent out by the team. “I recommend that because they are making themselves look more clueless than they already did. To go on record, A.J.'s going to be an outstanding football player.”

Back in the spring, Jenkins was not in shape but the coach says he is physically prepared now.

"I'm going to keep track of some of these names of so-called experts who are making these comments, and there's going to be an 'I told you so,'" Harbaugh said. "I foresee that happening."

Jenkins isn’t fazed by the off-field focus.

"I love criticism," he said, according to Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee. "That's what drives me. No hard feelings. People are going to say what they say. It doesn't matter what the outside world says."

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Brad Biggs covers the Bears for the Chicago Tribune

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