placeholder image

Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports


Bobby Turner explains what the 49ers are looking for in running backs

Jun 9, 2017 at 11:20 AM--


Videos are auto-populated by an affiliate. This site has no control over the videos that appear above.
San Francisco 49ers position coaches met with Bay Area media following practice on Thursday. Running backs coach Bobby Turner, who replaced long-time coach Tom Rathman, is among many new faces on the staff. He took the time with the media to discuss the team's progress during organized team activities (OTAs).

One question asked of Turner involved the traits that the 49ers look for in a running back. The position coach laid out the qualities that he and the team desire.

"Number one is toughness," Turner said. "Yeah, we want the obvious. We want guys that have speed, foot quickness, cutting ability. They also have to understand about the patience. I want a young man that's coachable. Someone that's willing to learn and willing to grow. And myself as a coach, as a teacher, I learn. Like I said, I've been doing this for years but, constantly, I'm learning from my players."

How does last year's starting running back, Carlos Hyde, fit the description that Turner gave? There were pre-draft rumors that the 49ers were looking for his replacement. The 49ers ended up selecting Joe Williams out of Utah in the fourth round of April's draft. They also traded for Denver Broncos running back Kapri Bibbs. Following the draft, the 49ers signed undrafted free agent Matt Breida out of Georgia Southern, who has reportedly looked good in practices. All of that was after the team added free agent Tim Hightower. Add in the two other running backs on the roster and that makes a crowded group competing for roster spots.

"He's doing an outstanding job," Turner said of Hyde. "But again, I'm not surprised ... He's eager. He's eager to learn and, at this point in time, he's doing a good job."

The biggest knock on Hyde has been his ability to stay healthy. Since becoming a starter in 2015, he has missed 12 games over the past two seasons. In 2016, Hyde finished the season just 12 yards shy of his first 1,000-yard rushing season. Over the past two seasons, he has rushed for 1,468 yards and nine touchdowns while averaging 4.42 yards per carry.


Turner also discussed rookie running back Williams and what he brings to Kyle Shanahan's offense.

"He has the tools, the qualities of other players, that's worked well in the system," Turner said. "Again, the toughness. And I'm not going to pinpoint everything, but he's hungry. He has the physical tools. He has that speed. He's got the foot quickness and, when it comes down to it, the mental toughness."

The 49ers finish up OTAs on Friday and kick off a three-day mandatory minicamp next week.



Facebook Comments



More San Francisco 49ers News


placeholder image

49ers signing LB Ezekiel Turner to a 1-year deal

By David Bonilla
Mar 16

Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 reports that the San Francisco 49ers are signing linebacker Ezekiel Turner to a one-year deal. "Ezekiel Turner gets a one year deal with #49ers with prime opportunity to showcase skill at Iinebacker and as a core special teams contributor," Wilson wrote via social media. Ezekiel Turner gets a one year deal with #49ers with prime opportunity to showcase skill at Iinebacker and as a core special teams contributor. Deal per his agents


placeholder image

5 things to know about new 49ers LB Ezekiel Turner

By Kirk Larrabee
Mar 17

The newest addition to the San Francisco 49ers roster is linebacker Ezekiel Turner, who agreed to a one-year deal with the team on Saturday after five seasons with the Arizona Cardinals. Turner (6-2, 214) comes to the 49ers with 45 career tackles, one forced fumble, and two blocked kicks. The 27-year-old Turner is an underdog story who could fill a similar role to a player the 49ers lost in free agency, as we're about to discuss. Let's take a look at how Turner fits in with the 49ers as well as some other things to know as he begins his time with the team. More special teams help As is the case with defensive back Chase Lucas, whom the 49ers came to terms with last week, Turner has primarily been a special teams contributor throughout his NFL


placeholder image

Eric Kendricks backs out of deal with 49ers, signing with Cowboys

By David Bonilla
Mar 13

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that linebacker Eric Kendricks has backed out of his agreement to join the San Francisco 49ers and will instead sign with the Dallas Cowboys. Another change of heart: after agreeing to a deal with the 49ers, former Chargers and Vikings LB Eric Kendricks has decided to go to the Dallas Cowboys instead, per sources. Mike Zimmer wanted Kendricks to help run his defense and Kendricks preferred to play in Dallas. https://t.co/NfBUIPT0c6— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter)


placeholder image

Are the 49ers looking to replace a rehabbing Talanoa Hufanga?

By David Bonilla
Mar 17

Who knows what might have unfolded had starting safety Talanoa Hufanga not sustained a season-ending ACL injury on November 19, 2023? Could his presence for the remainder of the season have provided the slight edge the defense needed to halt the late-game surge by the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl 58? Would it have made a difference? Michael Silver of the San Francisco Chronicle recently reported that the 49ers might be eyeing a big-name safety like Justin Simmons, a four-time second-team All-Pro and two-time Pro Bowl selection, who remains available in what Silver referred to as an "oversaturated" safety market. However, it's


Latest

Trending News

Share 49ersWebzone