49ers high on another Tide WR

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After Alabama’s Amari Cooper was drafted by the Raiders with the No. 4 overall pick, NFL Network captured the All-America wide receiver celebrating at home in his native Miami with family and friends.

Two days later, after the 256th and final pick was made, television cameras didn’t capture the scene at the Houston home of Alabama’s other starting wide receiver, DeAndrew White. The crestfallen 23-year-old was surrounded by family and friends at a draft party that never materialized. White, who was prepared to be selected as early as the fourth round, went from high hopes to heartbreak.

The Crimson Tide teammates were obviously in far different spots this spring, but Cooper anticipates they’ll be in the same position in the fall: on the 53-man roster of an NFL team.

“I feel like he will make the Niners,” Cooper said of White. “He’s a very talented player. He goes and high-points the ball, is a very good route-runner, really fast, so I feel like he has a great chance at making the Niners.”

Cooper is certainly biased, but he’s not alone in his opinion. After a scintillating spring with the 49ers, White has continued his strong push to make the team in training camp.

After the first practice Saturday night, head coach Jim Tomsula was asked if he was expecting to see the rapport quarterback Colin Kaepernick and wide receiver Torrey Smith had just shown carry into the regular season.

DeAndrew White (2) won two national titles in his four seasons at Alabma, with 94 catches, 1,294 yards and 12 touchdowns. DeAndrew White (2) won two national titles in his four seasons at Alabma, with 94 catches, 1,294 yards and 12 touchdowns. Photo: Gerald Herbert, Associated Press Photo: Gerald Herbert, Associated Press Image 1 of / 7 Caption Close 49ers high on another Tide WR 1 / 7 Back to Gallery

Tomsula’s no-duh expression was humorous, but his response — which referenced a certain undrafted wideout he calls by the college he attended — was telling.

“Oh, yeah, we’d really like that to happen,” Tomsula said of Kaepernick locating Smith, who signed a $40 million deal in March. “Or (tight end) Vernon (Davis). Or ‘Alabama.’”

Offensive coordinator Geep Chryst also indicated “Alabama” might have found a sweet home in Santa Clara: “We are thrilled to have him on our team.”

On the surface, White’s undrafted status is puzzling.

He started 25 games at an elite program (Alabama went 48-6 and won two national titles in his four seasons), had solid production (94 catches, 1,294 yards, 12 touchdowns) and possesses the necessary measurables: He was a Texas high school champion in the 200 meters and he ran a 4.42-second 40-yard dash before the draft.

However, the pre-draft questions weren’t so much about ability, but fragility.

Consider White’s medical file: He tore the ACL in his right knee in 2012; underwent foot surgery after the 2013 season and missed two games with a separated shoulder; dealt with a toe injury in 2014; and couldn’t lift at the combine because of a shoulder sprain.

“This is as good as I’ve felt in a while,” White said. “I feel like I’m 100 percent. Nothing is bothering me — no nagging injuries. It’s not one thing or another like it’s been in the past. I just feel like I’m back where I should be.”

For his part, 49ers defensive tackle Quinton Dial, White’s teammate at Alabama, is confident White will stay in the NFL ... if he can stay on the field.

“He’s an awesome playmaker,” Dial said. “He’s just got to stay healthy. That’s the biggest thing with him. He’s just got to stay healthy and he’s going to be a great asset for us.”

White’s chances of sticking are bolstered by the 49ers’ lack of depth. Only three wideouts — Anquan Boldin, Smith and Jerome Simpson — have more than six career catches. In addition, the only receiver the 49ers selected in the draft, fourth-round pick DeAndre Smelter, could miss 2015 with a knee injury he suffered in college.

The lack of proven pass-catchers helps explain why White decided to sign with the 49ers. It was only later that he discovered another benefit: The 49ers will play their preseason opener Aug. 15 in his hometown when they visit the Texans. As a result, many of the friends and family members who attended his dud of a draft party three months ago can celebrate his NFL debut in person.

White admits he’ll carry the draft snub to Houston: He’s eager to show the NFL that two Alabama wide receivers should have been selected.

“I wouldn’t say I’m mad at everyone,” he said, “but I’m ready.”

Eric Branch is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer.