49ers announce their 3 signings

The 49ers made official Thursday what's been known for weeks: Guard Terrence Williams of Charlotte, big man Mike Thorne of Fayetteville and small forward E. Victor Nickerson or Norcross, Ga. have signed their letters-of-intent. All three had made verbal committed to the program earlier.

"All these guys possess high character and they love the game," said coach Alan Major of his first recruiting class. "They wanted to be part of this first class here at Charlotte and that's exciting to us."

Williams, from West Mecklenburg High, is a 6-4 forward who averaged 24.5 points and 10 rebounds last season.

"Whenever you can bring in a local product, it's exciting and we definitely wanted a guy in our first class," said Major. "Now we hope he's the first of many."

Thorne is 6-foot-10 center who has a 7-2 wingspan. He averaged 5.0 points, 6.2 rebounds as a junior in mostly a backup role at Fayetteville's Trinity Christian.

"Mike has a world of potential," said Major. Earlier this week, ESPN.com recruiting specialist Dave Telep told The Observer that Thorne "could wind up being the sleeper in this whole deal."

The 6-7 Nickerson averaged 10-plus points and 5 rebounds last season. "Someone with that type of well-rounded ability is exciting to bring in."

The 49ers are still waiting on a decision from guard Elijah Carter from Brewster (N.H.) Academy. Carter's coach said he might not announce until the spring.