This offseason, the San Francisco 49ers were forced to get younger due to many reasons, including the salary cap. Defensively, they lost linebacker Dre Greenlaw, safety Talanoa Hufanga, and cornerback Charvarius Ward. Meanwhile, they added rookie DE Mykel Williams and rookie LB Nick Martin.
That said, the 49ers host their rookie minicamp this weekend, which means they get a chance to evaluate more young talent. One position where fans could expect a minicamp standout is safety.
According to Sterling Bennett of 49ers Access, San Francisco has invited Oregon safety Kobe Savage to the rookie minicamp. Though Savage has a long road to becoming a member of the 49ers, a good showing this weekend is the first step.
49ers Invite Former Oregon Safety Kobe Savage to Rookie Minicamp
In 2019, Savage committed to Texas A&M-Commerce, where he spent his freshman year redshirted. Following that year, he transferred to Tyler Junior College for the next two seasons. During that time, Savage collected 100 tackles, four pass deflections, and six interceptions.
In 2022, he transferred from Tyler to Kansas State, where he played another two seasons. With Kansas State, he recorded 115 tackles, seven tackles for loss, and six interceptions. Savage's play earned him the ability to transfer to Oregon in 2024.
As a Duck, Savage was able to show off his talents on a bigger stage, while racking up 64 tackles and three tackles for loss. While that didn't get him drafted, he did earn the 24-year-old a chance at the next level.
Be that as it may, the challenge now begins for Savage at minicamp. The 49ers currently have seven safeties, including two other rookies. If Savage wants to make his NFL dreams come true, he will need to prove through his hard-hitting play style why he deserves the spot over the other two rookies.
Even then, he will likely only be a part of the practice squad, which, though that would be considered a win, wouldn't be great for him given his age.