Wide receiver Deebo Samuel looks like a different player on the practice field. Who better to ask about the wideout's transformation than the guy who has to cover him during practice, cornerback Jason Verrett? That's what KNBR's Greg Papa and John Lund did after Tuesday's practice, and it sounds like the third-year player has worked hard to elevate his game.
"I just see a hungry player, motivated," Verrett shared. "Definitely, he didn't have the year that he wanted last year, and you could kind of tell this offseason, his mentality shifted to wanting to be the guy. Each and every day, he's been going out there in practice, just running and looking like a whole different person."
Samuel missed nine games last season due to foot and hamstring injuries. It was an emotionally trying year for the receiver.
"I never got down mentally like I did after I pulled my hamstring in the last game I had," Samuel said after the season. "It took a toll on my body, and it made me realize health is the most important thing and being available."
Head coach Kyle Shanahan has certainly been pleased with Samuel's efforts this offseason. The receiver looks like he might be in the best shape of his career.
"He came into camp in as good a shape as I've seen him," Shanahan said last week. "You know, he left OTAs not quite there yet but trending there. And so I was really curious of how he was going to be these 40 days away. And just being in shape and stuff, it's the best I've seen him."
A healthy Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk—along with an improved (if you can even imagine that) George Kittle—could be exciting for 49ers fans and a problem for opposing defenses.
Verrett continued by sharing how Samuel has benefited from this particular group of wide receivers.
"I think it just comes from just the comradely that they've got in that receiving room with Brandon Aiyuk and Mohamed Sanu," Verrett said. "I just think it's a lot of motivation that Deebo has, and he's been looking good."
You can listen to the entire conversation with Verrett below.
