placeholder image

Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports


Josh Hokit explains why playing fullback for the 49ers is different than the rest of the NFL

Jun 14, 2021 at 10:15 AM--


Videos are auto-populated by an affiliate. This site has no control over the videos that appear above.
Josh Hokit played running back for the Fresno State Bulldogs, rushing for 1,260 yards and 17 touchdowns on 303 carries in his four collegiate seasons. He also hauled in 38 receptions for 260 yards, showing off some versatility.

Hokit is learning to play fullback for the San Francisco 49ers after signing as an undrafted free agent last year. While the transition from running back to fullback for the 6-foot-1 and 225-pound player might not seem like too big of a stretch, the 49ers don't utilize typical fullbacks. Just look at Kyle Juszczyk, who is viewed as a versatile piece on head coach Kyle Shanahan's chessboard. He can run, catch, block, and do it all from multiple spots on the field.

"There's many things about this fullback position," Hokit recently told ABC 30 News in Fresno. "Fullback, in particular, you would think it's a hard-nosed, you meet me in the hole, and the best man wins, for the most part. But this one, you're lined up [at] receiver in the slot. You're lined up at tight end, running back. You're lined up everywhere. And so, it's exciting. It keeps you on your toes.

"It makes you feel involved in the game, unlike other fullback positions where you play about five snaps a game. You make your block; you get out of there. This fullback position, you're playing over 50 percent of snaps in the game, so it keeps you involved, and it's exciting."

Hokit didn't benefit from a full offseason last year, which made the transition to fullback even more challenging.

"You can only learn so much over a Zoom meeting, studying the playbook," Hokit said. "So, it was really difficult, especially (since) our first time repping it in the plays was in [training camp] where in previous years, or even this year, we're in OTAs right now (the interview obviously took place before OTAs were canceled last week). I didn't even get that last year. So, the first time ever practicing these plays was in [training camp]."

When he finally got into the locker room, he admits it was a bit intimidating coming face-to-face with stars like George Kittle and Jimmy Garoppolo. Even hearing Garoppolo speak directly to him via Zoom was a bit surreal.

"Now they're my boys," the fullback said.

Hokit was also asked about the quarterback situation on his team. Garoppolo is slated to be the Week 1 starter, but the 49ers drafted Trey Lance at No. 3 overall to be the eventual successor.

"It's going to bring the best out of both of them," Hokit said. "There's competition. It's going to elevate Jimmy's game, it's going to elevate Trey's game, because that's what competition does, and I'm really excited to see how it turns out and how it plays out."



Facebook Comments



More San Francisco 49ers News


placeholder image

49ers signing QB Josh Dobbs to a 1-year deal

By David Bonilla
6 hrs

The San Francisco 49ers are bolstering their quarterback room by adding a new player. According to his agent, Mike McCartney, the team is signing Josh Dobbs to a one-year deal. McCartney announced the news on social media, confirming the acquisition. Congrats @josh_dobbs1 agreeing to a 1 year deal with the @49ers— Mike McCartney (@MikeMcCartney7) March 18,


placeholder image

Maliek Collins on joining 49ers, playing for Kris Kocurek, replacing Arik Armstead

By David Bonilla
Mar 14

Today, the San Francisco 49ers officially announced the acquisition of Houston Texans defensive tackle Maliek Collins. Shortly after the announcement, the team made their new defensive lineman available to reporters via Zoom. One thing was evident: Collins has been eager to play under defensive line coach Kris Kocurek for a considerable time. The two met at the NFL Scouting Combine in 2016, and those conversations in Indianapolis made Collins a fan of Kocurek. When asked to explain what excites him about Kocurek, Collins responded, "It was just his passion that he brings to the game, how he's all about getting a dub, and he wants to [have] the most productive defensive line, and he wants to be number one in everything. That's something that I want to come in, I


placeholder image

Leonard Floyd reveals why he signed with the 49ers

By David Bonilla
7 hrs

Former Buffalo Bills defensive end Leonard Floyd has become the San Francisco 49ers' most significant free-agent acquisition thus far this offseason. While the 31-year-old pass rusher had multiple suitors, the Bay Area team emerged as the most aggressive in its pursuit. On Monday, Floyd spoke to reporters for the first time since the agreement with the 49ers was revealed. During the conversation, he elaborated on why the decision to head to Santa Clara was easy. "Yeah, I got a call from my agent—I had quite a few offers," Floyd said. "But what it was, the 49ers didn't bullsh--t around. They was out the gate, came in with a great deal. It was a solid, solid deal for me. And there really wasn't no second-guessing it. They showed that they wanted me from the


placeholder image

Updated list of 49ers draft picks in 2024 after NFL penalty

By David Bonilla
7 hrs

The NFL has penalized the San Francisco 49ers for payroll accounting errors that occurred at the end of the 2022 league year. This has led to the team forfeiting their fifth-round draft pick in 2025 and a reduction in their fourth-round pick in the upcoming draft. San Francisco's fourth-round selection, initially No. 131 overall, now shifts down four spots to the end of the round at No. 135, following the compensatory picks from that round. Despite this setback, the 49ers still possess 10 selections in the 2024 NFL Draft but will be short a pick next year. The team's selections in the upcoming draft are as follows: Round 1, Pick 31 Overall Round


Latest

Trending News

Share 49ersWebzone