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San Francisco 49ers: 5 players with a lot to prove in training camp

By Robert Smith

November 8, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Aaron Lynch (59) and defensive end Arik Armstead (91) celebrate during the first quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Levi's Stadium. The 49ers defeated the Falcons 17-16. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
November 8, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Aaron Lynch (59) and defensive end Arik Armstead (91) celebrate during the first quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Levi's Stadium. The 49ers defeated the Falcons 17-16. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 2, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Carlos Hyde (28) celebrates after running in a touchdown during the second quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 2, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Carlos Hyde (28) celebrates after running in a touchdown during the second quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 5: Running Back Carlos Hyde

Just a few short seasons ago, running back Carlos Hyde was considered the heir apparent to former 49ers great, running back Frank Gore. Hyde came out of Ohio State as a second-round pick in 2014 into a backfield crowded at the time with Gore, Kendall Hunter, LaMichael James and Marcus Lattimore.

After showing flashes, and being the primary back up at running back, Hyde got his chance to shine after Gore left for Indianapolis as a free agent the following year.

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    • He proceeded to win the starting job in 2015, and came out of the gate strong with a 168-yard, two-touchdown game against the Minnesota Vikings to open the season.

    Unfortunately for him and the 49ers, he played in just seven games that year, finishing with 470 yards and three touchdowns before being sidelined by injury.

    Hyde did have a bounce-back year in 2016, finishing with 988 yards and six touchdowns, but also missed three more games due to injury.

    With the running game such a large part of Kyle Shanahan’s offense, Hyde will need to show up ready to work, and, more importantly, stay healthy for a full season.

    With the additions of fourth-round pick Joe Williams from Utah, trading for Kapri Bibbs from Denver, undrafted free-agent Matt Breida and free-agent acquisition Tim Hightower, the organization is sending a strong message that competition will had at every position.

    And even though they are hopeful Hyde can come in and earn the starting role, nothing will be given.

    For Hyde, a healthy training camp could put a stronghold on the starting running back position, and catapult him to his most successful season yet as a pro. But if he falters, Williams, Breida, Hightower and Co. will be there to fill his role.

    And with Williams being Shanahan’s draft crush, the rope may not be that long for Hyde.