Running back Matt Breida, like any San Francisco 49ers player you might talk to, is very optimistic when it comes to the team's future. The 49ers may be coming off of a four-win season, but it was also a year riddled with devastating injuries at key positions.
Breida sees what the 49ers roster is capable of under Kyle Shanahan and is excited to be part of what the head coach is building in Santa Clara. The running back joined KNBR on Friday night and discussed the team's future.
"It's very bright," Breida told host Mark Willard. "I think most people only see that during the season we were down to our third-string guys and we're still getting wins. I feel like as long as we stay healthy, and we do the right things, the sky's the limit for us.
"We're going to do great things. We're going to get championships. But like I said, we've got to put in the hard work first to get there."
One of the key players injured last year was new featured back Jerick McKinnon. He went down with an ACL injury before taking his first regular-season snap with the 49ers. McKinnon is expected to be healthy for the upcoming season and, as he was last year, figures to be a big part of Shanahan's offense.
"I envision it as time being on the field together," Breida said. "Shanahan's going to have certain things for us. I don't want to give too much away but it's going to be fun, you know? You'll see both of us out there; that's for sure."
Shanahan was asked in November if he envisions Breida and McKinnon being on the field at the same time in 2019.
"I envisioned it this year," he responded, "so that won't change next year."
Breida also discussed the following topics during his 14-minute discussion with Willard.
- His experience being an undrafted free agent.
- Why he chose to sign with the 49ers.
- His relationship with former college teammate, McKinnon.
- Jimmy Garoppolo and McKinnon's injuries.
- Being a high school teammate with his eventual wife.
- Garoppolo's ability to be the team's leader.
- Can the 49ers win if a big personality is brought into the locker room?
You can listen to the entire conversation with Breida below.