Shanahan and running backs coach Bobby Turner fought hard to convince general manager John Lynch to take a flier on Williams in the fourth round. Even then, it still took a phone call between Lynch and the Utah Utes product to convince him.
After he was drafted, Williams was viewed as a potential replacement for Carlos Hyde, who was entering the final year of his rookie contract. Williams did not play during his rookie season and was placed on injured reserve with an ankle injury before the start of the season.
Cam Inman of Bay Area News Group joined the latest installment of the No Huddle Podcast to talk San Francisco 49ers football with Al Sacco and Zain Naqvi. Part of the discussion surrounded Williams, who is fighting for a roster spot with the 49ers. Could the second-year running back be part of the 53-man roster cut-down on September 1?
"If he does, it's only because he just dogs it the next couple of weeks," says Inman. "He's had a really good camp. He's made the most of his opportunities, I would say. He did fumble once a couple of days ago. You can't be doing that. But he's so quick guys.
"If he looks like he's hustling and in-tune, then okay, I'll give, but in spring, I saw him just at one point in practice, and he was kind of walking back to the huddle, and I'm like, 'You can't do that.' I mean, you're on red alert right now where everything you're doing body-language-wise, they're watching you.
"It's not just running. I don't know what goes on in the classroom so I can't comment on that, but I saw him on the practice field and was like, 'You've got to hustle better.'
"He's gotten that message now from not me but from coaches. It looks like he's come into camp with the mindset, 'I've got something to prove, and I want to be here,' which is great."
You can listen to the latest No Huddle Podcast episode below, from our dedicated podcast page, on iTunes, Google Play, or SoundCloud.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers entered Browns game with new mentality: 'Guys really emptied the tank'
The San Francisco 49ers delivered a strong performance across all three phases against the Cleveland Browns, securing their third straight victory and improving their record to 9-4 ahead of their late-season bye week. For the defense, the focus was clear: stop the run and... -
Kyle Shanahan recalls 49ers' talks with Philip Rivers—and what it meant for Brock Purdy
The San Francisco 49ers stayed in touch with Philip Rivers throughout the 2022 season—just in case the veteran quarterback was needed. After injuries sidelined Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo, the depth chart grew thin, and an inexperienced rookie by the name Brock Purdy... -
49ers' Shanahan still hopes Aiyuk returns this season—but isn't counting on it
San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch didn't sound particularly optimistic Tuesday morning when discussing wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk's chances of returning this season. Appearing on Bay Area radio station KNBR, Lynch emphasized that while he remains hopeful, he can't... -
49ers' Brock Purdy may have a request for Mac Jones, explains sideline arm brace
Last year, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy surprised his offensive linemen with Toyota vehicles—an extravagant gesture considering he had not yet signed his lucrative contract extension. Of course, Purdy was an endorsement partner for Toyota at the time, meaning...