07-18-2007, 11:53 PM
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 | Rex Ryan baby | |
Join Date: Feb 2006
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 Position Preview: Running Backs
Quote:
San Franciscos offense featured one of the top statistical performances at any position in 49ers history by running back Frank Gore in 2006. Gore set a franchise season record with 1,695 rushing yards, besting Garrison Hearst who had the 49ers mark with 1,570 yards rushing in 1998.
The third year pro from Miami rewrote almost all of the 49ers rushing marks. Gore set a franchise record with 2,180 combined yards (1,695 yards rushing and 485 yards receiving), breaking Garrison Hearts single season record of 2,105 total yards (1,570 rushing and 535 receiving) set in 1998. Gores 2,180 combined yards mark the fourth time in 49ers history that a player has had 2,000 combined yards in a season. He also set a team record with ten 100 yard rushing games.
"I never doubted (my ability)," Gore said. "Last year, I started really feeling comfortable, so I told myself in the off-season I had to really take advantage. I worked my behind off, won the job and was successful."
Gores teammates were ecstatic that he had such a prolific season.
``I was excited to see him get the rushing record, because he's worked hard and been through a lot,'' quarterback Alex Smith said. ``And I'm excited because he's such a team guy. We know he'd rather win than break records, and it's because of that that all his teammates wanted to see him get it.''
Gore was also named NFC Offensive Player of the Week twice and ranked third in the NFL in rushing yards. A multi-purpose threat, Gore also led San Francisco with 61 receptions.
Additionally, Gore was a big reason for San Franciscos success against the NFC West. In six division games, Gore rushed for 755 yards and six touchdowns on a 5.8 yard average. In the first match-up against Seattle, Gore was named NFC Player of the Week after rushing for a team record 212 yards. He also had an impressive 22 runs of 10 yards or more. Gore averaged 126 yards per game against the NFC West.
Fullback Moran Norris was a big part of Gores success in 2006. A free agent pickup in the off-season, the seventh-year veteran quickly emerged into a physical blocker. Norris assumed the starting fullback role early in 2006 and helped the 49ers rushing attack finish sixth in the NFL. He also caught two touchdowns on the year.
Described as an extremely productive and versatile player by Hostler, running back Maurice Hicks returns for his fourth season. He led the 49ers last season in special teams tackles with 22 (14 solo). The North Carolina A&T product also finished the year with 57 kickoff returns for 1,428 yards, which was a franchise record for total return yards in a season.
Michael Robinson, a second year player from Penn State looks to provide depth at both positions. The former college quarterback showed flashes as a rookie, finishing the season with two rushing touchdowns and 163 total yards. Robinson is joined by Zak Keasey, a physical thumper who spent the last two seasons on the 49ers practice squad after starting out as a linebacker from Princeton University.
Rounding out the backfield are Thomas Clayton and Steve Dildine. Clayton, a sixth round draft pick from Kansas State is a physical, sturdy back who also possesses good speed. He played in 28 career games with the Wildcats, rushing 232 times for 1,075 yards and seven touchdowns, including a career-high 80-yarder in 2005. Dildine is a former college linebacker at Washington State that is making the move to the offensive side of the ball.
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How much of his "highlight reel" is in games other than Philly? 
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