SANTA CLARA, Calif. >> The man of few words, Colin Kaepernick, has learned a thing or two from Peyton Manning.

He just refuses to say what or offer any specifics. The mystery man under center for the San Francisco 49ers will play opposite Manning when the quarterbacks’ teams meet in their exhibition opener Thursday night at Candlestick Park — even if each is unlikely to play more than a quarter.

Some are already considering this a preseason glimpse of a possible Super Bowl matchup, though coach Jim Harbaugh is quick to say that’s getting way ahead of things.

In late August last year, Manning completed 10 of 12 passes for 122 yards and two touchdowns in a 29-24 exhibition loss to San Francisco. The 49ers went on to reach the Super Bowl, falling 34-31 to Baltimore.