San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel has been one of the standout players in training camp, a promising sign for the team as they brace for the potential loss of another star receiver—Brandon Aiyuk. Samuel's offseason transformation has been notable, with many reporters highlighting his impressive physical condition.
One 49ers coach was shocked by Samuel's transformation.
"The first day I saw him, when he came back, I almost didn't recognize him," defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen said after Wednesday's practice. "I was like, 'Dang, dude, you're in really good shape.' He came back in ... he looks great, and he's moving great."
Sorensen added, "He's Deebo. He's a weapon, anyway. But he's been looking really good."
Samuel had a career year in 2021, amassing 1,770 all-purpose yards and 17 total touchdowns, including 1,405 receiving yards. However, in the seasons since, he has yet to surpass 900 receiving yards. The veteran receiver is determined to make a significant impact this season.
"One of my motivations is, for sure, losing two Super Bowls," Samuel shared. "We always there, so, in my mind, I'm doing everything possible to be in the best shape, being the best player, being the best version of myself, to come back and continue to help this team go on those runs that we know we're capable of."
While Samuel declined to reveal his weight, he confirmed that he is lighter than ever.
"Yeah, for sure. The lightest I've been since I entered the league," he said.
Linebacker Fred Warner has also noticed the difference in Samuel, who has switched his number from 19 to 1.
"Yeah, man, that number change got him looking even slimmer," Warner said. "But you can tell, he took this offseason really serious. This means a lot to him. He's been outstanding through this. I think this has obviously been his best camp in terms of just coming in prepared, ready to go, and just competing every single day, showing his team, showing us, everyone, that he's ready to go.
"And he's setting himself up to have an amazing season. I'm really happy for him and obviously happy for our team because we need him."