SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- San Francisco 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh and his players often use the phrase "The 49ers Way." There is a 49ers Way street sign in between the team’s locker room and the practice field and the phrase is adorned on T-shirts players wear.

If there is a player that best embodies the "49ers Way," it just might be Tramaine Brock. He has skyrocketed up the 49ers’ depth chart. Signed as undrafted free agent four years ago, Brock is now the 49ers’ No. 1 cornerback. This time last year he was essentially just a special teams player. Injuries moved him up the cornerback chain into a starting job.

He is clearly the 49ers’ best cornerback and he has been a major standout in the early going of camp.

The 49ers have every reason to be excited about Brock, who signed a four-year contract extension last November. He improved so much last season once he got on the field and continues to grow this summer.

Harbaugh raves about Brock's work ethic. Brock has had a perfect attendance in the offseason workouts in all three of Harbaugh’s three seasons with the 49ers, the coach said. Harbaugh said Brock‘s preparation is "at the highest level.”