49ers head coach to MHS alum: ‘You were raised right’

San Fransisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan told Jacob Cowing, “You were raised right,” after selecting the University of Arizona wide receiver in the 2024 NFL Draft’s fourth round.

That raising was done in Maricopa.

Cowing, who cut his gridiron teeth as a Maricopa High School Ram, received the call from the 49ers Saturday as the 135th overall pick.

At MHS, Cowing was one of Arizona’s top prep receivers. He caught 89 passes for 2,065 yards and 21 touchdowns during his high school career to solidify himself as the most prolific gridiron Ram all-time.

Cowing’s selection in the NFL Draft makes him the second Wildcat to join league ranks this year, following offensive lineman Jordan Morgan’s first-round pick by the Green Bay Packers, 25th overall. Cowing’s selection also marks a milestone for Arizona wide receivers, being the highest pick since Mike Thomas in 2009 and the first since Juron Criner in 2012.

Cowing becomes the first Wildcat drafted by the 49ers since David Wood in 1985. This draft also sees the UofA’s return to having two players picked, a feat last achieved in 2021 when Roy Lopez went to the Houston Texans and Gary Brightwell Jr. to the New York Giants, both in the sixth round.

Cowing leaves behind an impressive college legacy, amassing 4,477 total yards throughout his collegiate career, a figure topping all active players. Last season was particularly noteworthy when he became the 22nd player in FBS history to surpass 4,000 receiving yards. His career reception yards also position him seventh all-time among FBS players.

“I’m fired up,” 49ers GM John Lynch told Cowing Saturday, recalling the rookie’s son, who still lives near Maricopa.

Watch the call: