San Francisco 49ers' tight end Vernon Davis has been virtually unstoppable this season. The fourth-year tight end leads the league with his 11 touchdown receptions and his 66 catches for 815 yards lead the 49ers in both categories.

So as the Eagles plan their defense of Davis, they may turn to someone familiar with Davis for some assistance - rookie linebacker Moise Fokou.

"We have Chris Gocong and we have Moise (Fokou)," said head coach Andy Reid. "Both of them will play in this game."

Fokou, like Davis, went to the University of Maryland. The two were teammates for only one season, but Fokou said they're good friends. They also trained together in the off-season.

"I'm looking forward to it," Fokou said of playing against Davis. "Another alum, another buddy of mine. When I get in there I'm going to talk trash, and of course I know he's going to talk trash whenever he does something against our defense."

Fokou said that his familiarity with Davis has aided his preparation.

"I kind of know what he likes to do, how he likes to release," Fokou said. "So I think watching his career and knowing his career helps me in terms of film study.

"If you scheme it correctly, I think anybody in the NFL can be shut down. But he's a threat on their team and he's somebody that we have to take away."

Fokou is a member of what Reid called "linebacker by committee" earlier this week. In his first season, Fokou has made two starts at strongside linebacker when other linebackers were out with injury.

"It's my rookie year," he said. "I'm learning so much every week and I'm just taking it all in and whatever's best for the team I'm here to do. Whether my role is on special teams or helping more on defense, I'm here to help however I can.

"Getting your number called, whether it's for long-term or short-term, you just have to go out there and execute."

-- Posted by Bo Wulf, 6:30 p.m., December 18