Niner Noise
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San Francisco 49ers: Grading 2015 Rookie Class after Season

By Peter Panacy

August 23, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive end Arik Armstead (69) rushes Dallas Cowboys tackle John Wetzel (61) during the second quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
August 23, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive end Arik Armstead (69) rushes Dallas Cowboys tackle John Wetzel (61) during the second quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 18, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Jarryd Hayne (38) high fives a team mate during warmups before the game against the Baltimore Ravens at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 18, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Jarryd Hayne (38) high fives a team mate during warmups before the game against the Baltimore Ravens at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports /

RB Jarryd Hayne

2015 Statistics

Rookie running back Jarryd Hayne was one of the biggest stories around the NFL for his efforts during the 2015 preseason. But he quickly fell out of favor during the regular season and was demoted to the practice squad after Week 6.

Hayne eventually returned to the 53-man roster when San Francisco suffered considerable attrition at the position and needed some reinforcement. He ended up finishing the season with 17 carries for 52 yards — averaging 3.1 yards per carry — along with eight punt returns for a net total of 9.5 yards.

“There’s a whole bunch of things I’ve improved on, and over time, I’m going to get better,” Hayne said, via Tyler Emerick of 49ers.com at the end of the season. “I’m excited for the future, because I’m still learning and still developing.

“I had never played the game before. There was always going to be something here that I didn’t expect. And it’s been a whole bunch of things that I’ve learned, had fun with and it’s been a great adventure.”

Hayne had some problems holding onto the ball and still remains a liability in blocking schemes. But it’s a safe argument to say the 49ers coaching staff either misused or failed to trust him enough on the field.

So his efforts have to be skewed to an extent because of this.

Grade: D

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