Mike Singletary made sure to get a detailed scouting report on St. Louis Rams free safety O.J. Atogwe.

That’s not because Singletary is the 49ers’ coach. It’s because he’s a father.
Atogwe is dating his daughter.
“He’s a quality individual,” Singletary said Friday.
Atogwe also happens to be a quality player. The former Stanford standout has forced 33 turnovers since 2006, the most in the NFL during that span. That’s 16 forced fumbles and 17 interceptions.
Singletary, however, can be forgiven for focusing more on Atogwe’s character.
Atogwe and Jill Singletary met in Chicago, where Jill was attending the Illinois Institute of Art. Atogwe was in town to participate in the NFL’s business management program at the Kellogg Business School (Northwestern).
Jill has since transferred to the Academy of Arts in San Francisco, where she got a partial volleyball scholarship from athletic director (and former 49ers tight end) Jamie Williams.
But no test in school could compare to Atogwe’s initial visit to the Singletary home. He passed — and has been back several times.
“He’s a very nice guy. He’s a gentleman,” Singletary said. “We’ve had conversations, not about football, but about life.”
—Patrick Willis said the Rams’ Steven Jackson “might be the best running back I’ve faced in my three years in the NFL.”
Jackson has averaged 125 yards from scrimmage since 2006, the best mark in the league during that span (minimum 30 games).
Though the Rams’ offense is struggling, Jackson is coming off consecutive rushing games of 104 and 117 yards.
“He’s huge, No. 1,” Singletary said. “He’s just a big guy. And, No. 2, he has that ability to move and make the cuts. That makes him really unique.”
—The NFL punished 49ers defensive end Justin Smith with a $5,000 fine for a striking Vikings quarterback Brett Favre in the knee area. Smith plans to appeal.
—Singletary gave one of his famous pep talks to the No. 11 Santa Clara women’s soccer team before its game against Stanford on Thursday.
“I’m just trying to make a difference that’s all,” Singletary said.
—Singletary is longtime friends with Greg Marshall, the Broncos’ strength and conditioning coach. His talk didn’t work this time: Stanford beat Santa Clara 6-2.
—On a conference call with St. Louis writers, taciturn receiver Isaac Bruce was asked if he could become a television analyst after he retires. “Oh, it’s easy to be an analyst,” Bruce replied. “If you can breathe you can be an analyst.”
—Singletary said that right tackles Adam Snyder and Tony Pashos would continue to share time this week, although he wants one of them earn the job outright.
—Receivers Jason Hill and Brandon Jones remain in the mix for a promotion to the active roster Sunday. That could mean bad news for Michael Spurlock (zero catches in three games).
—Running back Frank Gore (ankle) and safety Reggie Smith (groin) are the only injured 49ers ruled out. Everybody else was declared “probable” and will play.