STOCKTON, Calif. -- Here are five quick observations from the 49ers' training camp.

Camp Classic Moment

To see the 49ers is to see their fans. Nowhere was that better observed than the summer of 1998. The 49ers moved their training camp to Stockton. Chargers owner Dean Spanos, one of the city's most prominent business people, recruited the 49ers. He set up a camp at the University of the Pacific, a school that has supplied the NFL with some of its brightest coaches. In 1998, the 49ers were concluding their long run of success. Steve Young was still the quarterback. Jerry Rice was still the star receiver. Fans were everywhere, and they filled the school's stadium for a scrimmage against the Chargers. As it was in the Joe Montana era, there was a rock star mentality to the players' relationship with the fans. After that season, the 49ers went into a transition phase. Now, only a couple hundred loyal fans sit in the stands for practices. It was the end of an era. — John Clayton

1. Defensive end Andre Carter is one of the top four candidates for rookie of the year. He has the speed pass-rush ability plus the strength to be an instant 10-sack player. He drives blockers crazy with his leverage and counter moves. He's the 49ers' new Fred Dean.

2. With Jerry Rice gone, Tai Streets has to stay healthy. That will be a challenge. He's playing with a rod in his leg to fix a break from last season. The 49ers have only three legitimate receivers -- Pro Bowler Terrell Owens, J.J. Stokes and Streets. If they lose any one of those three for an extended period, there is a big dropoff to the next group. Streets and Stokes haven't practiced much because of hamstring injuries.

3. Jeff Garcia is starting to play like his $6 million-a-year contract. He's exceptional in following his reads and then breaking for a running play if receivers are covered. He's gained more confidence in the huddle. Mental mistakes are minimal. The book on him is that he can't play physically better than he did last year. Though he might not be able to match the numbers, Garcia is a smarter quarterback than a year ago.

4. Linebacker Julian Peterson is all over the field and will make more impact plays than a year ago. Defensive coordinator Jim Mora lines up Peterson and Carter at ends and lets them rush on passing downs. At times, Peterson will loop around the defensive line and rush alongside Carter. He's got that much speed. His only weakness is a tendency to go too far upfield and over pursue.

5. Second-round choice Jamie Winborn is a little too young to be the starting middle linebacker, but the 49ers are willing to live with it for now. Winborn needs to be more focused with the assignments, but there is no question about his skills. He's unbelievably fast. If he stumbles, the 49ers will use Jeff Ulbrich until Winborn settles into the job.

John Clayton is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com.