49ers Training Camp position-by-position breakdown

Running Back Breakdown

The running back position appears to be one of most interesting position battles, if not the most interesting position battles, for the 49ers this training camp. With 49ers mainstay and all-time leading rusher Frank Gore no longer in the picture, a committee of backs is vying for his carries. Currently it appears the Carlos Hyde will take over as the primary back. In no way, however, does this mean he will have as many carries as Gore had throughout his career. The NFL has switched to more of a “running back by committee” style in the past decade. The 49ers will belatedly join this trend in 2015 now that Gore has departed.

Competing against Hyde and, more realistically, against each other for change-of-pace back duties are Reggie Bush and Kendall Hunter. Bush, new to the 49ers organization and good friend of Australian Rugby League star and 49ers running back hopeful Jarryd Hayne believes Hayne has what it takes to make the 49ers roster. Bush, now 30 years of age, needs to be careful he is not the one at risk of losing a spot. He isn’t, to be honest, but he is getting older for a running back.

Also in the backfield will be rookie Mike Davis, also out of South Carolina, and Kendall Gaskins. Gaskins won’t make the roster, let’s clear that up right now.

Ultimately, expect Hyde to get 50-60% of all carries for the 49ers with Hunter beating out Bush by a nose for the second most. Bush will get a good number and Davis will come in intermittently. As much as I would like Hayne to make the final roster, he will probably be on the practice squad. With Bruce Miller also on the roster as an oft-used fullback (not that common in today’s NFL), and Trey Millard also fighting to stay with the club, the 49ers would really have to work hard to keep a fifth halfback.

Next: Wide Receiver Breakdown