ROANOKE TIMES 
                      Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times

DATE: Wednesday, August 21, 1996             TAG: 9608210048
SECTION: SPORTS                   PAGE: B-3  EDITION: METRO 
DATELINE: SANTA CLARA, CALIF.
SOURCE: Associated Press

KIRBY HOPING HE'LL BE A QUICK STUDY

FORMER UVA STAR Terry Kirby just wants to fit in with his new team.

With time growing short before the start of the NFL season, the San Francisco 49ers put newly acquired running back Terry Kirby to work Tuesday learning their offensive system.

``Everything is all new and I've just got to get used to it,'' said Kirby, taking part in his first practice since the 49ers acquired him Monday in a trade with the Miami Dolphins.

``It's totally new terminology and I just have to go out there now and learn it and get used to running in this type of offense,'' said Kirby, a former standout at the University of Virginia who will get play for the 49ers in their preseason finale Friday at Seattle. ``I'm just trying to get the gist of it. We've got a short week this week.''

Kirby was the Dolphins' leading receiver last season with 66 catches and was the team's second-leading rusher with 414 yards.

Last season's starter for the 49ers, Derek Loville, had 87 receptions, the fourth-highest total by a back in NFL history. He also rushed for a team-leading 723 yards, though his per-carry average (3.3) was the lowest among the league's starting halfbacks.

``I'm sure Terry's going to be able to help this team because you need more than one back,'' he said. ``You need a couple of backs.

``You need a fresh back every now and then. It'll keep me fresher. It'll keep him fresher. It'll help this team win and that's the bottom line. If we win, I can't complain.''

Coach George Seifert said he expects Loville to start the 49ers' season opener Sept.1 against New Orleans.

Kirby said his first priority is learning the 49ers system and he figures everything else, including his role, will fall into place from there.

``Derek Loville is a great running back,'' Kirby said. ``It's not to say I'm coming in here and trying to take his job. I'm just coming here to better the team.''

LENGTH: Short :   49 lines
ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO:  AP. San Francisco coach George Seifert (left) holds an 
          imaginary jersey during a news conference to welcome running back 
          Terry Kirby to the team.
KEYWORDS: FOOTBALL