Source: Record-setting Washington receiver/return man visits 49ers

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Washington wide receiver Dante Pettis, who set the NCAA record for punt returns for touchdowns, is visiting the 49ers on Monday, a league source told NBC Sports Bay Area.

Pettis (6-foot, 186 pounds) is a well-rounded, accomplished receiver who also excelled in the return game. Pettis returned nine punts for touchdowns in his four-year career, including four as a senior. The previous record of eight was shared by Oklahoma’s Antonio Perkins (2001-04) and Texas Tech’s Wes Welker (2000-03).

In Pettis’ final two college seasons, he caught 116 passes for 1,583 yards and 22 touchdowns. He is considered a strong route-runner who has the versatility to line up outside or in the slot.

He did not participate in any drills at the NFL scouting combine or at Washington’s pro day due to an ankle injury. He did drills a week ago, and timed an unofficial 4.47 to 4.49 in the 40-yard dash, according to reports. He becomes at least the third wide receiver to make an official visit to Santa Clara to meet with the 49ers, joining Auden Tate (Florida State) and Byron Pringle (Kansas State).

Pettis’ father, Gary, played Major League Baseball for 11 seasons, mostly with the Angels. He was a five-time Gold Glover winner as a center fielder who ranked in the top-five in the league in stolen bases six times.

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