49ers: Top 20 NFL Draft picks from former general manager Trent Baalke

San Francisco 49ers: Top 20 NFL draft picks from former general manager Trent Baalke

SANTA CLARA, CA - JANUARY 20: San Francisco 49ers general manager Trent Baalke speaks to the media during a press conference where Chip Kelly was announced as the new head coach of the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on January 20, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

4 of 21

TAMPA, FL – DECEMBER 15: Running back Kendall Hunter #32 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after diving for a touchdown after recovering a kickoff fumble against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers December 15, 2013 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. The 49ers won 33 – 14. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images) /

Maybe this is a shock to some, but former 49ers running back Kendall Hunter ended up being a solid backup option to then-starting tailback Frank Gore.

Hunter, whose tenure with the Niners began in 2011, averaged 4.6 yards per carry his three seasons in San Francisco. With Gore aging, it was important to put Hunter into the mix as a reliable change-of-pace option for the 49ers’ run-heavy offense during the earlier parts of the decade.

This certainly kept the wear and tear off Gore’s body, allowing the future Hall of Famer (yes, we’re going there) a chance to provide better impacts during San Francisco’s multiple playoff runs.

Simply put, Hunter should get a lot of credit.

Injuries eventually resulted in a split between Hunter and the 49ers in 2014.