Although the 49ers parted ways with their all-time franchise leading rusher in Frank Gore, there’s a good chance they end up fielding the most versatile group of running backs they’ve ever had. As of right now, it’s looking like the running backs are going to be Reggie Bush, Kendall Hunter, Carlos Hyde, and rookie Mike Davis. Each one offers a different skill set than the next. But how will the coaching staff decide to split the carries up?
So far in the offseason activities, Bush has been the back getting reps with the first team offense. So what does this mean? I wouldn’t look too much into it at this point because Hyde missed a considerable amount of time with a leg injury. However, where Bush earns points is with the offensive philosophies of the 49ers’ coaching staff. Offensive coordinator, Geep Chryst, and quarterbacks coach, Steve Logan, love to push the ball up the field and emphasize what they refer to as “explosive plays.” This is where Bush excels. That’s the part of the game where he makes his money. Expect the 49ers to utilize him on long downs and to line him up all over the field to create mismatches.
While Bush fits the bill for what Logan and Chryst want to do, Hyde is the running back to run up the middle and get yards for them on first and second downs, which is the kind of back Trent Baalke and Jim Tomsula like. Hyde is the running back they’ll use on the goal line and on short yardage plays as well. As far as a change of pace back when the 49ers actually plan on keeping the ball on the ground, that’s when they’ll most likely use Hunter. With Hunter coming off a torn ACL last season and a torn Achilles the season before that, they’re certainly going to be careful with how much they use him. As for Mike Davis, he’ll have to earn his carries as the season progresses.
This stable of running backs has the potential to catch a lot of teams by surprise. They haven’t been given much credit up to this point, but, if used correctly, they can be extremely productive. With the changes this offense is going through, it could be a great year for all those involved.