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Deebo Samuel appreciates Kyle Shanahan’s trust, 49ers’ physical play
Jan 16, 2022 at 10:38 AM
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The San Francisco 49ers are just hours away from kicking off against the Dallas Cowboys in the NFC Wild Card round of the playoffs. One player everyone is excited to see is the dynamic
Deebo Samuel. He is labeled as a wide receiver. However, the 49ers have utilized him as so much more this season.
Samuel racked up 77 receptions for 1,405 yards and six receiving touchdowns this season, all career-highs. He also had 59 carries for 365 yards and a team-leading eight rushing touchdowns. Samuel even threw a touchdown pass in the regular-season finale against the Los Angeles Rams. He can do it all.
This week, Samuel was asked how he would respond to someone who did not know him asking what position he plays.
"
A wide back. Wide receiver playing running back," Samuel responded with a laugh.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan has certainly been creative with his versatile offensive weapon this season.
"I think Kyle knows that I'm really, really good with the ball in my hands," Samuel told FOX Sports' Kristina Pink ahead of Sunday's game. "
I think he just started throwing everything possible to give me the ball; this year, moving me to running back a lot. Getting that pass in the game last week just showed the trust that he has in me. It's just crazy."
Samuel stands at six feet tall, but his 215-pound and punishing running style makes him difficult to bring down for opposing defenses. He knows, at times, defenders have to make a business decision when they see him coming their way.
"You can kind of see guys turn their body to brace themselves for the hit," Samuel shared. "They try their hardest. It don't work out, but they be trying."
The Cowboys know they will have their hands full on Sunday afternoon. Samuel is a perfect example of how physically challenging the 49ers can be for opponents, making them one of the more intriguing playoff teams.
Samuel added, "We're just a very physical team that I don't think nobody really wants to play."
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