Ahmad Brooks has been dogged by inconsistency during his five-year, 13-sack career.

This year, the 49ers' linebacker has been consistently good in training camp.

In his latest string of eye-opening plays, Brooks tipped a point-blank pass from quarterback McLeod Bethel-Thompson on Wednesday and hauled in his second interception in two days.

After practice, defensive coordinator Vic Fangio praised Brooks, who had three tackles and a quarterback hit in the preseason opener against the Saints. Brooks and Parys Haralson are the first-string outside linebackers, but it wouldn't be a surprise if rookie Aldon Smith eventually starts.

Brooks appears well-positioned to retain his first-string status.

"Yeah, if he keeps playing the way he played last week and keeps practicing the way he's practicing, then that's an eventuality right there," Fangio said of Brooks starting.

Gore accused: Running back Frank Gore was one of 72 past and present University of Miami athletes accused of receiving improper benefits in an investigation by Yahoo Sports.

Nevin Shapiro, a former Miami booster, said Gore received at least $20,000 from ex-agent and current United Football League Commissioner Michael Huyghue.

Gore declined to comment through a team spokesman.

Briefly: Rookie fullback Bruce Miller, a two-time Conference USA Player of the Year as a defensive end at Central Florida, played outside linebacker with the third team. Fangio said the 49ers want to see if Miller can help on defense. ... Rookie safety Colin Jones, drafted for special teams, took snaps at wide receiver. Fangio said the Niners want to see if Jones' speed translates to offense.