Jimmie Ward is the senior-most member of the 49ers secondary. With Jaquiski Tartt not returning to San Francisco this season, it will be on Ward to take on a mentorship role with second-year safety Talanoa Hufanga. It’s a role that Ward has embraced.
“I realize what’s real, and what’s real is right now I have more experience,” said Ward after OTA practice Tuesday afternoon. “So, if I can catch him (Hufanga) up and help coach him and try to give him some of the knowledge that I know, that will make me and him equal. That will raise my game up just because I can count on him, and he’s going to make me better.