The San Francisco 49ers endured one of their worst seasons during the Jim Harbaugh era in 2014. A multitude of questions and issues led to an unstable performance. Both sides had their fair share of issues, but one position remained stable and looked 49ers-esque — running back.
For over a decade, Frank Gore has led the 49ers on the ground to career marks, and settling his name in the record books. The former Hurricane running back worked his way from a third-round running back to the 49ers’ all-time leader in rushing yards and touchdowns.
2014 was not gracious to Gore or the team offensively, but even with a banged up offensive line, Gore still managed to eclipse the 1,100 yard rushing mark. Despite the yardage, he scored a career-worst four rushing touchdowns. This goes on to prove the offensive line and weak play-calling from former offensive coordinator Greg Roman were responsible.
2015 will have a different look and feel to the 49ers.
The man of the decade will no longer be bulldozing for the red and gold, as Gore has decided to saddle up with the Indianapolis Colts. While it may be too soon to reminisce about Gore, the 49ers have to move forward, and it starts with Carlos Hyde.
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In 2014, Hyde was second on the depth chart to Gore, carrying the ball 80+ times for 334 yards and four touchdowns. For a significant amount of lesser carries, Hyde nearly outperformed Gore in the scoring department.
As the years were piling up for Gore, he never seemed to slow down or show signs of aging — raising the question when would be the acceptable time to replace Gore?
2014 proved to be the year the 49ers were looking to improve the backfield, and essentially their future.
In the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft, the 49ers selected Hyde out of Ohio State University. In Hyde’s last two seasons at Ohio State, he racked up 30 rushing touchdowns. What makes these scores even more impressive is the amount of carries has had over his collegiate career.
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Over the four years Hyde played for the Buckeyes, he only carried the ball 523 times and scored 37 times on the ground according to Sports Reference College Football. The normal wear and tear of collegiate running backs was avoided by Hyde in college, but managed to be successful.
After an impressive junior and senior season, Hyde entered the NFL Draft where he rose on the draft boards. While Hyde was not utilized enough in the passing game at Ohio State, what impressed scouts and experts was his hands out of the back field. Hyde’s agility and power were no concern. It was whether he had the hands to excel. Hyde’s results bumped him up significantly in the draft, landing with the 49ers.
With Hyde’s lone season with Gore, questions emerged as if the 49ers were already looking for Gore’s replacement. The 49ers’ front office downplayed the rumors and reports stating Hyde was the future back.
While the 49ers didn’t seem to want to address it, it was easy to speculate the 49ers knew Gore’s best days would soon be over, and they were preparing for a smooth transition.
It is now 2015 and the newest season will quickly be among NFL and 49ers’ fans. What should 49ers’ fans expect from Hyde in 2015?
With last season being full of turmoil and a questionable offseason decision to let Harbaugh walk, lots of pressure lies on the players and new head coach, Jim Tomsula. Pressure lies on Hyde to be the new man in charge.
November 2, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Carlos Hyde (28) runs with the football during the third quarter against the St. Louis Rams at Levi
In a short 16 games and a full offseason, what seems short to some may have been the most influential amount of time in Hyde’s early 49ers’ career. That influence was Gore.
Recently on Twitter, Hyde went on to give a shoutout to Gore with a powerful image of the two, and simple one word quote: “Legend”. Along with the word legend, Hyde went on to hashtag “#BigBro” along with it. The picture was focused and centered on Gore.
Hyde’s respect clearly shows the impact Gore had on his life and as an athlete.
2015 will be Gore-less and it is time for Hyde to take the next step.
Hyde will see an increase in his carries for next season, and his great vision, hands, and power should be beneficial to his 2015 success, and the 49ers. Hyde is no longer the apprentice and the training wheels will be off.
It is general manger Trent Baalke and head coach Tomsula’s job to bolster that offensive line, and for the 49ers to continue the focus on the run game. A good run game will keep defenses honest, and it will help Colin Kaepernick take some of the pressure off. Expectations are currently set high by the 49ers franchise and front office.
Hyde will not have to do it alone, as Reggie Bush was brought in this offseason to compete for reps as back up running back with Kendall Hunter in San Francisco.
Gore is now off to Indianapolis, and he passes on the torch to Hyde to carry the 49ers. This burden taken by Hyde should be no issue, as he becomes the next 49ers feature back to challenge the record books with an overwhelming list of great running backs such as : Ricky Watters, Garrison Hearst, Charlie Garner, Roger Craig, and Gore.
Hyde shares similar characteristics to Gore in terms of athletic ability and football IQ. While Hyde is no clone, he certainly has what it takes to replicate what Gore did for the 49ers. With Gore gone, it is now time for Hyde to be his own kind of player.
The rise of the “Iron Hyde.”