49ers training camp: 5 early risers impressing the most

No. 1: 49ers Quarterback Trey Lance

Of all the 49ers players who have impressed most during training camp, none have stood out or have drawn as much attention as Trey Lance.

Kyle Shanahan has tempered the hype surrounding his rookie quarterback for much of camp, which is understandable. Shanahan wants Lance to earn every step of his development, and Jimmy Garoppolo still hasn’t done anything wrong to “lose” the starting quarterback job.

The only thing, though, is it sure appears as if Lance is outperforming Garoppolo at nearly every step of the way.

Sure, most of Lance’s reps have come with the second-string unit. But it’s only a matter of time before Lance starts seeing time with the first-team group, perhaps in the days counting down to Week 1 of the preseason.

Just take a look at what NBC Sports Bay Area’s Matt Maiocco said about Lance to KNBR 680’s Greg Papa:

Lance has already been responsible for some eye-popping plays during camp, and he’s already receiving raving endorsements from teammates and media members alike, including Niners nose tackle D.J. Jones, who told the Sacramento Bee’s Chris Biderman, “Everybody’s eyes are locked on him. He’s special.”

True, Lance still has a long way to go before he potentially overtakes Garoppolo, and there’s even a longer way to go before he solidifies himself as a true franchise-caliber quarterback.

But considering the fact we’re having a discussion about Lance potentially starting in Week 1 is proof enough his development is progressing at a much more rapid pace than many expected.

And that’s very much a good, good thing.