SANTA CLARA — After five seasons at Kansas State, offensive lineman Carver Willis transferred to a program that views the 49ers as the gold standard.Jedd Fisch, the University of Washington head coach, often uses the 49ers as a model. Fisch and 49ers offensive line coach Chris Foerster worked closely together on the staff of the Baltimore Ravens for three seasons (2005-07).
“The offense is very close to what I ran at Washington,” Willis told NBC Sports Bay Area on “Meet the Rookies.”
“Washington follows the 49ers very closely. The head coach at Washington is the best friend of Foerster, our O-line coach.”
The 49ers selected Willis in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Upon investing the No. 127 overall pick in Willis, the 49ers planned to convert him to guard to begin his NFL career. Willis played left tackle in his final college season.
Willis is in the picture to compete for the 49ers’ only vacancy on offense. Willis, Connor Colby, Robert Jones and Brett Toth are the candidates to open the season as the 49ers’ starting left guard.
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