Matt Breida’s Speed Could Lead to 49ers Roster Spot

At Georgia Southern, running back Matt Breida didn't show that much versatility.He was a prolific ball carrier, rushing for 3,740 yards and 37 touchdowns over three seasons, but he caught just 22 passes.Yet with the 49ers, his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield may be one of the keys to Breida's hopes of making the opening-game roster.Breida, a 5-foot-11, 200-pounder, was signed by the 49ers as an undrafted free agent following this spring's NFL draft. Though there were some doubts about Breida after a senior season in which his yards-per-carry average dipped to 3.8 following seasons of 7.9 and 8.7, he's quickly erased them after his performance with the 49ers in organized team activities (OTAs) and recent minicamp. He looked comfortable in the new offense of head coach Kyle Shanahan, who likes to heavily use his running backs in the passing game.As Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee noted, Breida has looked quick and athletic."Breida's speed was apparent during the spring," wrote Barrows. "He was especially adept at catching short passes and turning up field quickly, which is a staple of Shanahan's offense."Breida went from being a solid draft prospect after his...