Running Back Joe Williams
Rookie running back Joe Williams had a sluggish start to training camp and didn’t generate too many headlines until the few days before San Francisco’s first preseason bout.
But Friday’s contest showed a lot why head coach Kyle Shanahan and running backs coach Bobby Turner were so intent on getting him in the NFL Draft.
Williams’ numbers from the game — 60 yards on seven carries — speak good measure already. He averaged 8.6 yards per carry, after all.
Yet what’s impressive was Williams’ ability to showcase his blazing speed, especially on outside runs when he was able to turn the corner and cut upfield with relative ease.
The Niners used Williams in a variety of ways, giving him outside runs and working him through the middle in certain situations.
It’s unlikely Williams unseats presumed No. 1 tailback, Carlos Hyde, by Week 1. Although it wouldn’t be a shock to see him challenge someone like Tim Hightower for the second tier of ball-carrying duties this season.