Jarryd Hayne is stiff-arming his way into 49ers' picture
After one game in his adopted sport in his adopted country, Jarryd Hayne is a must-watch player. The question now is, will NFL fans be watching him when the 49ers regular season begins in four weeks?
Dont jump the gun, head coach Jim Tomsula said on a conference call Sunday, after Haynes debut the night before against the Texans. We dont need to put undue expectations on Jarryd, Tomsula said, according to the team website. I just want him to stay focused on getting better. Hes a world-class athlete.
But the Australian rugby star made such an instant impact running the ball (
the now-viral 53-yard burst) and returning kicks (including a 33-yard kickoff return from deep in his end zone), a spot on the roster might already be his to lose.
Here is where Hayne stands so far at the positions where hes likely to be used:
Running back
Competing with: Carlos Hyde, Reggie Bush, Mike Davis
Chances: Decent. Bush has been Haynes biggest champion since Hayne first started auditioning for NFL teams in the spring (I think making the team is actually the least of his worries, he told a Sydney newspaper in April). Bush also has a history of injuries that could open the door for Hayne to get on the field more.
Jarryd Hayne (Getty Images)
Even then, though, he'd have to beat out Davis, the fifth-round pick from South Carolina who can catch passes and block. Davis ran for 18 yards on his three carries against the Texans. The 49ers have high hopes for Hayne as a receiver out of the backfield and know he has a big learning curve as a blocker. Davis has much less of a learning curve with both.
MORE:
All of Australia behind Hayne
Kick returner
Competing with: Reggie Bush, Bruce Ellington, DeAndrew White
Chances: Very good. The 49ers needed help in this area after last season, and it's one of the reasons they signed Bush. Still, whether the 49ers want that load on him along with his offensive duties remains to be seen. Ellington is the incumbent, more or less; hes been hurt in camp and didnt play in the opener.
White, the undrafted rookie from Alabama, and Hayne both returned punts and kickoffs against the Texans. Hayne was more electric, with his speed, elusiveness and that huge stiff-arm, but White has been explosive there since offseason workouts.
Tomsula said Hayne did a nice job in the opener, adding: Im not as shocked that Jarryd was able to field punts and run, or field kicks and run, or Jarryd was able to see creases and get into the open field and avoid. Ive seen him do all those things. Ive watched a lot of film of him playing rugby.
If he continues to translate his skills in that sport to his new one, and progresses from Week 1, Hayne will be on the field and in a significant role when the games count.