San Francisco 49ers training camp presented by SAP is back. Let us rejoice. The players have arrived in the Bay Area for physicals, conditioning tests and meetings. Oh yeah, and camaraderie in the locker room, meeting rooms, practice field and the team hotel.
There's a lot of bonding that will take place in the month of August. There will also be a ton of storylines and interesting camp details that you – the 49ers Faithful – should be all over. So with that being said, let's take a look at the 10 things all fans should know this training camp season.1. Kezar Stadium practice brings back all the feels
On Aug. 10, the 49ers will return to the historic venue for the first time since 2004. The sold-out practice session in the heart of San Francisco will be captured exclusively on 49ers.com with live practice look-ins. If you were one of the fortunate ones to snag a camp ticket, feel free to humble brag on social media with #49ersCamp.2. "49ers Live" is back with more exclusive practice highlights
Talking heads are nice, but what the fans really want to see are highlights of their beloved team. Look no further than 49ers Studios' signature show, which returns July 31, with a 4:30 p.m. PT on the first day of camp practice. Host Joe Fann and yours truly will break down practice highlights, interview well-known guests and answer your burning questions. You can catch the shows on 49ers.com, the team's official mobile app or on Facebook Live.
3. Chip Kelly will be in the spotlight because new NFL head coach in popular market!
The quack attack is back, Jack. The phenomenon of the 49ers new coach should be one of the top storylines of camp. From practice pace, to position battles, to his press conference-quip game, all eyes will be on the first-year head coach as he puts his signature touches on camp here in Santa Clara.4. Quarterback reps will be talked about at length
Get ready for constant updates on Blaine Gabbert and Colin Kaepernick. Reporters will share heavy insight on the daily to give fans a glimpse on which signal-caller is climbing atop the depth chart. We don't know how the practice reps will be divided, but we do know that practice sessions will only tell a portion of the story. What the players do in joint practices with the Houston Texans and Denver Broncos, plus the four preseason games, will really make the difference in who is named as the team's Week 1 starter.5. More position battles means more things to analyze
Beyond the QB situation, San Francisco will have fascinating competitions at the following positions: No. 2 and 3 WR, No. 2 and 3 CB, ILB next to NaVorro Bowman, RG, RT, LG, No. 2 RB and No. 1 TE among others. There's a lot of opportunity to impress a new coaching staff. And always, players who shine in practice and preseason games can always climb the depth chart at any position on the roster.**
- Download the 49ers mobile app and get your news how you're supposed to in 2016**
Not to get all Mashable on you, but it's clear that people consumer content on their phones and tablets much more than desktop these days. So do yourself a favor and download the 49ers mobile app so you can have all the videos, photos and stories in the palm of your hands throughout the upcoming season. While we're plugging our digital goods, follow the team on Snapchat (@sf49ers) for exclusive behind-the-scenes content. And if you're reading this like, "I don't Snapchat." That's cool, but you're missing out.7. The 49ers will get to test themselves against two AFC playoff squads
One was a Wild Card team. The other won the whole thing in 2015. San Francisco will be fortunate to have joint practices with the Texans on Aug. 12 and with the Broncos on Aug. 17-18. Each practice session will be a chance for the 49ers first-team units to face the starters of another NFL club. We'll have comprehensive coverage for all three practice sessions, including reviews of San Francisco's offensive and defensive performances.8. Two first-round picks will get their first camp experiences
They may or may not have to get coffee and snacks for their veteran teammates, but even so, it's a deal they'd gladly take for being two of 31 first-round picks in 2016. We're talking DeForest Buckner and Joshua Garnett. Both Pac-12 products will be in the mix to earn significant playing time to begin their respective NFL careers. We'll keep a close eye on Nos. 99 and 65 throughout the rest of the summer.**
- Torrey Smith is hungry**
Don't let us tell you about it. He wrote something for 49ers.com to explain his approach for this year.
Read it.10. The team's young talent is on the rise
We identified six players who could enjoy breakout years in 2016. But the list could have easily been expanded. You never know when an undrafted rookie makes a statement in camp and climbs the depth chart. You also can't predict every player that comes into camp in the best shape of their lives, ready to seize more playing time. This is the beauty of camp. The play on the field determines who gets to run with the first- and second-team units. This is why we love football. And hopefully, it's a reason for you to keep coming back to 49ers.com all August for your daily updates.
