"Vernon Davis caught a touchdown pass for the first time in a 49ers uniform five years ago this weekend, albeit an exhibition loss at Dallas.

His playmaking career was under way, just as everyone expected out of the 2006 draft's sixth overall pick.

Davis, however, is a different player and person entering the third game of this exhibition season, Saturday against the Houston Texans at Candlestick Park.

"I was just trying to find myself, trying to get adjusted to this whole NFL thing," Davis said of his rookie mindset. "I was looking at guys like Terrell Owens and all those guys that were selfish in the past. I figured that was the way you were supposed to be.

"But I learned throughout my career that is not the way it's supposed to be. Treat others the way you want to be treated. You should be humble. You should expect people to follow you when you're doing good things on and off the field, and good things will come."

The 49ers are banking on great things from Davis in new coach Jim Harbaugh's West Coast offense. Tight ends flourished in that system at Stanford, so Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Greg Roman are looking to carry that over with Davis and Delanie Walker. Undrafted Stanford product Konrad Reuland also is in the mix.

"You put them in positions of success and build your offense around that position somewhat," Harbaugh said."