Jarryd Hayne has already proven his first pre-season game was no fluke with a stunning first quarter against the Dallas Cowboys.
Hayne had three punt returns for 84 yards against the Cowboys in the first 15 minutes defeating six defenders in the process. It may only be pre-season but Hayne’s efforts sent the commentators into a spin including the classic line on his first punt return of “G’day mate”.
More importantly, Hayne had the home fans in San Francisco cheering his every move and his impressive speed and evasive skills will make it hard to resist placing him in the 53-man roster.
His first return went 27 yards and helped the 49ers set up for the opening points with a field goal. Hayne followed it up with a 34-yard return, weaving in and out of defenders by stepping on a dime.
Hayne is used to returning the ball as a fullback in the NRL, but with the extra help of blockers Hayne has shown how dangerous he could be in the NFL.
Highlighting just how big Hayne’s first quarter was is the fact the longest San Francisco punt return in 2014 was 23 yards by Bruce Ellington, which Hayne bettered three times.
The 27-year-old continued to show his versatility as the game wore on, making another 34-yard run as a running back in the third quarter.
Expathack
Guest
I'm making the claim on the basis that their measured 40 yd times. So, yeah, based on facts
Shaun
Guest
Odongo
MJB
Guest
Good for him. Let's see if he makes the 53 before we get too excited though.
Critta
Guest
What video are you watching! Have you read anything that all the papers. sports channels, commentators over in America are saying. You say that Hayne is a couple of yards slower and on what basis do you make that assumption. The video of the kick return by the Seahawks player was made possible by some excellent blocking. Hayne could have scored that if the 49ers blocking was better also. He might not be as quick as that guy but no one is putting him up as the fastest runner in the NFL. Furthermore Hayne made more return yards in each of his first three returns in his the first half today than any return run by a 49er for all of 2014. Further again Hayne has made more running yards than any of his 49 team mates thus far in the two preason games. The San Francisco 49ers are interested in WINNING they are not interested in promotional value. The 49ers are the most marketable team in the NFL so to say they would sign him "because he has solid skills and has promotional value" is nothing but rubbish. The " athletic ability of these guys is on another planet " just like your comments are! Dont forget Hayne has only played two preason games and STARRED in both of them. You have no idea of American football and what it takes to get to where Hayne has already got to. Many highly accredited NFL commentators say he WILL make it and IF he doesn't then one of the other 31 NFL teams would definitely pick him up regardless of what you think.
up in the north
Roar Rookie
What a wonderful thing to say. I don't follow the game but if you do and you rate him then that'll do me.
up in the north
Roar Rookie
Yeah but there was that minor incident outside a club in the Cross years ago which I think you're alluding to. So what. The dude's doing well. Go you good thing.
Sav
Guest
Hayden Smith, rugby player switched to the Jets a couple of years ago. Played tight end I think.
Sav
Guest
An Aussie rugby union player Hayden Smith did it a couple of years ago with the Jets. He made the 53 man roster and was on it for 2 seasons as a tight end. He went back to rugbh last year. He plays with Saracens in England. A guy from the Bulls in Super rugby is with the Colts at the moment but don't know his name.
Kirk
Guest
Hayne just needs to make 20 - 30m bursts though, its not like he's going to be running a full 100m. I don't think his lack of pace will be an issue, especially if he can step, swerve and fend his away around players.
Expathack
Guest
Any player that held the ball in a hook grip would get hooked by his coach quick smart. Ball security is absolutely paramount.
Expathack
Guest
I think that video shows very clearly that Hayne is never going to be top drawer, the athletic ability of these guys is on another planet. Hayne would be at least a couple of yards slower than that bloke. American commentators are giving Hayne respect because he's not rubbish, not because he's a star in the making. He'll likely squeeze onto the roster because he has solid skills and has promotional value, but he's incredibly unlikely to be a regular first team player let alone a "star"
Rocco75
Guest
Has there been any other Australian who has played NFL before that is a running back/punt/kick returner? I know there have been other Aussies who have played eg. Darren Bennett, Sav Rocca, Ben Graham etc.. who have all been punters. Obviously Colin Scotts I do know but he was defensive tight end/tight end. Jesse Williams is a defensive tackle. If Hayne makes the 53 man roster, will he be the first Aussie to make it as an offensive player??
Mark Richmond
Roar Guru
:-D
offsider
Guest
That's right Steveng,jonathon Thurston wasn't even playing for the cowboys.
Phillnz
Guest
not bad for a rugby super star
Existentialist
Guest
hence steveng 'rookie' moniker and your 'guru' one ;) a lot of people eating humble pie today no doubt! but still early days ... though what early days they are!! good on you Jarryd. keep it up. enjoy the experience. do us proud
Eden
Guest
How good was that fend on third run in that clip! Anyone know if it is common for runners in nfl to hold the ball in the hook grip to allow for more freedom when sprinting, ala billy slater? Just noticed they all tend to tuck it in a classic running style
Mark Richmond
Roar Guru
Yep...this guy will give him a run for best rookie returner this year... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lr0F6KyfoYo
Mark Richmond
Roar Guru
errr....yes they did Final score 49ers 23 Cowboys 6
steveng
Roar Rookie
Let's not get too excited and hipped up with what 'Hayne Train' extravaganza! The 49rs didn't win the game, and they are still quite big margin behind the 8 ball in the NFL.