Healthy LaBoy begins NFL workout tour

Free-agent outside linebacker/defensive end Travis LaBoy worked out for the 49ers today, approximately 11 months after undergoing surgery to repair torn tendons in his left foot. He sat out last season to rehabilitate from the injury.

LaBoy (6-foot-3, 261 pounds) had a workout scheduled with the Miami Dolphins for Friday. But the 49ers swooped in to get his first workout for an NFL team. LaBoy said he is committed to work out for the Dolphins. Next week, he is scheduled to work out for the New England Patriots, but he is not ruling out the possibility of signing with the Dolphins or 49ers and canceling that trip.

 

LaBoy previously visited the 49ers in February as a “meet and greet.” He did not work out for team officials at that time.

 

All things being equal, LaBoy would love to play for the 49ers. He grew up in Marin County as a fan of the 49ers. But all things are not equal. LaBoy said the 49ers have better players at the outside linebacker position — Parys Haralson, Manny Lawson and Ahmad Brooks — so the opportunity might be better with the Dolphins.

 

But LaBoy said he is not afraid of competition, which is why he would prefer to sign with a club before the draft.

 

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LaBoy said he wanted nothing more than to be drafted by the 49ers in 2004. But the 49ers passed on LaBoy in the first round to select wide receiver Rashaun Woods at No. 31. The Titans drafted LaBoy at No. 42.

 

From that point on, LaBoy said he was angry at the 49ers for not drafting him. “I was mad they didn’t bring me on board,” he said. “It was a should’ve-got-it-when-you-could’ve kind of thing.”

 

LaBoy has played three times against the 49ers. In the 2008 season opener with the Cardinals, LaBoy recorded two sacks against the 49ers.

 

This time, obviously, LaBoy will have a say in where he goes as a free agent. LaBoy has 23.5 career sacks in five seasons. He played collegiately at Hawaii. This weekend, he is scheduled for induction into the Marin Catholic High Athletic Hall of Fame.

 

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LaBoy was reportedly suspended four games by the NFL for undisclosed reasons, ESPN reported in November. LaBoy said the suspension was served when he was out of the league last season rehabilitating his foot. LaBoy said he is taking the matter to court to clear his name.

 

“The suspension is done. The punishment has been handed out. Now we go to (appeals) court to see if I was guilty or not,” LaBoy said.

 

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The 49ers are holding their local pro day today in Santa Clara. The notable names, such as Toby Gerhart, Jahvid Best, Syd’Quan Thompson and Tyson Alualu are not in attendance.

 

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