San Fransisco 49ers running back Jarryd Hayne is looking at a long road and a long climb.
Fortunately for the former Australian rugby league star, he joined a team that now is open to change.
The San Francisco roster seemingly changes daily, with surprising retirements, trades and free-agent signings.
There are a number of factors that are working in Hayne’s favour as he attempts to make the transition from dominating one code to just making the team in America’s most popular sport.
First of all, his coach likes him. That might sound like office politics, but it is basic human nature.
The 49ers new head coach Jim Tomsula is a tough guy; you could light a match on his jaw. He respects toughness and that is a quality that Hayne has in abundance.
Tomsula’s road to the NFL coaching ranks was very different to most coaches. He was a defensive lineman in college at Catawba in North Carolina, an exceptionally small school. There were no headlines, or acclaim – just hard work. He was a strength and conditioning coach for Catawba, then a high school coach, then returned to coach the defensive line at his former college.
He eventually ended up coaching professional football in Europe with the England Monarchs, Scottish Claymores, Berlin Thunder and the Rhein Fire. That is not the normal career path to becoming an NFL head coach, and shows Tomsula is all about maximum effort and dedication.
Furthermore, this road to the top taught Tomsula to be open to different players, different styles, and not the kind of thinking that seemingly rules pro football in America.
That is one of the keys to Hayne’s shot with San Francisco: his coach thinks outside the box. He believes in innovation.
Tomsula made the leap to the NFL in 2007, and earned his reputation by coaching with the 49ers defensive line for eight years. It was all about work, work, and more work.
As for Hayne himself, in the US military, he has what is called ‘command presence’. He simply looks the part. He is an alpha male and he doesn’t have to boast, brag, or talk about how famous he was in his home country. In the locker room, there are leaders and followers – Hayne is a born leader.
In American football there are usually two players very deep near the goal-line to return kickoffs. That position is fundamental to the game. On the current 49ers’ depth chart, Hayne is listed as the fourth-string returner, meaning he has three running backs ahead of him.
Number one is Bruce Ellington, a short, fast wide receiver who is considerably smaller than Hayne. Ellington was also a point guard in college basketball, so he is quick and elusive.
Number two is Carlos Hyde, a powerfully built athlete heavier than Hayne but not as tall. Chances are that Hyde has the opportunity to become the first-string running back when the 49ers have the ball at the line of scrimmage. If that is the case, then it is doubtful he will return kicks because of the chance of injury.
San Francisco want him healthy, and returning kickoffs in the NFL is a dangerous business – 22 men flying around the field all trying to knock the crap out of each other. It’s the closest thing we have to playing rugby.
Number three is Trindon Holliday. He has tremendous speed and what is described as instant burst and acceleration. He is also about the size of your girlfriend – five-foot-five, about Jarryd Hayne’s chest height. Holliday is injury prone, understandable given his size.
That leaves us with Hayne. At 6’2” and 220 pounds he is a powerful demon, and suddenly fourth string doesn’t look so bad.
Hayne’s other opportunity will come when he lines up with the San Francisco’s special teams. Those are the 11 guys who fly down the field when the 49ers kick the ball.
I really believe that is Hayne’s best shot at making the practice squad and eventually the team. You don’t need strategy, tactics, or American football knowledge. You simply stay in your lane, run like hell, track down the opponent’s ball carrier, and put a shoulder in his ribs to prevent him from scoring.
That’s where Hayne’s natural athleticism, speed and power pays off. In some respects he was born to play this game.
This will all play out over time. In the meantime, all Jarryd Hayne is asking for is a shot at living out his dream. When you get right down to it, that is all any of us ask for in life – a shot at our dreams.
Jared
Roar Pro
It's also likely the 49ers draft a running back in what is apparently a strong RB class.
Mick
Guest
Hayne is a great story but its on the field that's going to matter. He may be able to get a start on special teams where the play book isn't as critical. He is super dedicated so I think the play book is achievable . His broken field running is the highlight reel stuff but his defence is great as well. What I always liked about him was he seemed to have a good head on his shoulders,humble,not a trash talker,respectful & modest. He has made the most of every chance he got & made his own luck. The time he spent working & playing with the Fijian team a few years back was a great thing. I remember watching his dad Manoa playing back in the day. Americans don't see much rugby league so they might not fully appreciate his existing skill set . I will be one of many Aussies intently following his progress. You gotta love his attitude.
Birdy
Guest
Agree Mick, that big book of plays seems to be the obstacle everyone throws up all the time. League is one on one defence a lot of the time and he rarely misses a tackle, he is very fast quick off the mark strong and super evasive, most defences consider just touching him is a pass mark . I don't know what sort of a game can't find a use for those sort of talents.. Luckily the team he signed with has a coach familiar with at least rugby union players. Not having a dig at union just pointing out there are major differences between the two rugby codes as there is between NFL and Canadian football.
Mick
Guest
Hayne has a lot skill & ability. He has played professionally here since he was about 17. He is tough,soft hands,balanced running style& very evasive. He could have stayed here or gone to French rugby on big bucks by Aussie standards but he had a dream. America is still the place for people with big dreams isn't it? He knows it's a big assignment & that he has to earn everything. He may have the skills for a number of positions ,time will tell. I think he is going to make it & shake things up.
Bill
Guest
I find it surprising you're writing him off as a returner given his inexperience and obvious capacity for broken field reads. His natural position is tailback, so I guess you're recognising that. I don't know where things go from here, but all the guys who talk about pads, forget about it. If you've ever put them on , the only two things you learn,are first, they weigh nothing, the second is the advantage of timing. You can run run into guys 10 or 20 kilos heavier than you. You get the timing right, say goodbye, you're a billiard ball. You get the timing wrong, your body will be a hive of bees. We'll see how Jarryd goes, you can't really do too much if a lineman outweighs you by 60 kilos, you just want to avoid them. But if you can drop your shoulder into people....they'll be calling hurricanes cyclones.
Justin Twell
Roar Guru
Sorry John but I disagree. I've seen a lot people say he'll make Special Teams but in no way will the 49ers have a man on their 53 man roster who can only play special teams. Hayne will need to be able to contribute on offense as well and he won't be able to do this with the likes of Reggie Bush, Carlos Hyde and you failed to mention Kendall Hunter ahead of him who will easily be in the mix for carries in the 49ers backfield. Your article seems to suggest Hayne can make it on his physical tools alone. WRONG. He needs to learn in the space of a few months what others have spent approximately 15 years learning and perfecting. Does Hayne have what it takes to make it mentally? Learning the playbook like the back of his hand? Knowing exactly where he is supposed to be on every single play? So many questions that nobody, not even Hayne himself can truly answer. I hope he does make it. But it will be A LOT harder than a lot of people think.
John Gregg
Expert
Andrew, I watched Reggie Bush play for USC in college a great deal and he was an electric back. Pure excitement. However, the 49ers are Reggie's fourth team in the NFL and he is entering his 10th year in the League. He just turned 30 and you have to wonder just how much he has left in the tank. He has had surgery twice on his left knee when he was with the Saints. I don't think we have ever really seen the same Reggie Bush that we saw when he was in college--just flashes. The Saints won the Super Bowl in 2009 but in 2010, Bush broke a bone in his right leg and by 2011 he was traded to Miami. He played well for the Dolphins at times and in fact ran for 1,086 yards and scored 6 TD's but after another year in Miami he ended up playing for Detroit. He gained over 1,000 yards again for Detroit in 2013 but last season playing in eleven games he ran for less than 300 yards. So now Reggis is playing for San Francisco and I would imagine they view him as a change of pace back up to Carlos Hyde. You can never tell who the 49ers might draft at the end of April and that might change everything in terms of running backs. It would be nice to see Bush have another nice season but his health and his legs are the biggest question marks. I think the Reggie Bush legacy will always be, "what might have been..."
John Gregg
Expert
I have been writing about sports for a long time. Some times we become jaded about athletes. However, Jarryd Hayne is such a unique story and good guy you can't help but pull for him. I really hope he makes it. I watched as much tape of him playing rugby as possible and he flat out he is a very impressive and gifted athlete.
Birdy
Guest
Good to see a positive article about all the reasons Hayne can make it, evenost of the comments are positive. It took me ages to get aboard the Hayne train but once I did it's now a non stop ride. Hayne 'a greatest asset is his evasive skill ( as well as his other natural and freakish talents)) big fact there are not many people he can't step around , stand up if you like . All aboard the Hayne train
Worlds Biggest
Guest
It will take Hayne a good couple of years if not more to learn the complexities of the RB position. Obviously returning kicks is natural to him but special teams is probably his best chance to make it. Then in training he can show all his skills, I think he could be a good receiver out of the backfield and in the slot, again a skill that takes years to hone. Step by step for the Hayne plane.
JJ
Guest
Totally agree ... like chalk and cheese
JJ
Guest
Reminds me a little of Ian Thorpe coming out of the closet ... he did so for gbp 500,000. When Hayne announced his deal Telstra was the background. He has a lifetime agreement with the Eels ... this isn't as pure as we probably have been led to believe. Points on the article ... - you didn't mention the signing of Reggie Bush to the 49ers. .. this immediately puts him further down the pecking order - Hayne may command respect in Australia and in league but can assure you he will have zero in the USA and in American football ... yanks may like aussies but this is limited by any threat on their $$$ - he is too heavy imo. .. he is not quick enough and he should lose 20 pounds ... his 4.58 40 yard was handheld and probably 4.70 at best. - he will struggle playing with pads and a helmet - it will take him 3-6 months alone to adjust - he will get a trial game but when it comes down to it a franchise will be loathe to risk their billion dollar franchise on a dude with no experience in the game. Good luck to him but having played in the States can't see he has the tools to make it. My pick is he returns at the end of 2016 and leads the Eels to their first premiership since 1986.
Tom
Guest
Totally agree - too often in this country people are quick to tear down anybody who takes a risk - perhaps as an attempt to mask their own mediocrity. Hayne had a dream - and not a totally unrealistic one, and chose to follow it. If it doesn't work out, he can still get that million dollar payday in European rugby or the NRL, and if it does, them best of luck to him.
Simoc
Guest
Well I never noticed Hayne dominate league though he is a top player. And I see this as a made for Oz column. No doubt Hayne has heaps of ability but he doesn't look like a running back to me, size or speed. He needs to play the game in a minor league before he can cut it with the pros.
Chris Kettlewell
Roar Guru
I think that Hayne could make a very good NFL running back, but in a single pre-season with the first aim to just make the 53, being special teams may be the first foot through the door. He could even be primarily special teams but be the sort of guy who comes into the offense for a couple of plays in a game, and they basically have a couple of different plays made for him, so he doesn't have to learn the whole playbook. If you've got a real "think outside the square" type coach, that sort of thing is certainly a possibility. He's that sort of utility player who has got a wide range of skills and while they are trying to work him into his more long term position, they could well utilise him in a number of different ways.
tama ole vao
Guest
Great read John Totally agree with youre comments about tomsula his experience over seas has opened up his mind to the kind of talent league and union players offer.. i truley believe jared has all the skill needed to be a successful running back due to tackle breaking ability..... if we cast our mind back to the superbowl vereen was absolutely invaluable on some key drivers ....this type of hybrid RB - TE is what jared will excell at....he has what other player's in the nfl lack at times and that is timing....the way jared has chimed into the line or thrown a cut out out pass and played first reciver organising his troops will be transferred into the nfl because he has an understanding of where his body should be in relatuon to the velocity of the ball ..... in the open feild one on one even sherman wouldnt catch him.... goood luck jared I know youll be skilling these guys just wait and see.....
Worlds Biggest
Guest
Yep Special Teams is his best and probably only realistic shot at making the 53 man roster. The kick returner role is becoming more obsolete as the touch backs seem the norm these days. Regarding his place on the depth chart, I would be surprised if Hyde remains an option at KR given he is now the number 1 running back. That leaves Ellington, Holiday and Hayne. Ellington is good and has real gas, Holiday is similiar but a whippet of a bloke. I wish Hayne could play Middle Linebacker, Defensive tackle and Offensive Guard also !!
peeeko
Roar Guru
i hope he makes it but those other guys were absolute machines for size and not "normal" size like Hayne where it is a lot harder to make the team due to the much greater competition
Steve
Guest
I don't think there is any doubt he will make the 53 man squad. The two most recent pro rugby players to make the switch, Hayden Smith and Daniel Adongo have both made 53 man rosters so you would expect Hayne to. -- Comment from The Roar's iPhone app.
Andrew George
Roar Guru
John, thanks for an educated look at this interesting story. I can't wait to see him dress for a game ... although what do you make of the impact of Reggie Bushes signing with the 9'ers??