Nov 23, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Carlos Hyde (28) reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Washington Redskins in the fourth quarter at Levi's Stadium. The 49ers defeated the Redskins 17-13. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
When Carlos Hyde was selected in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft, it was presumed he would eventually take over Frank Gore's role as lead back for the Niners.
Now that Gore signed in Indianapolis, the door is wide open for Hyde to seize that opportunity.
"He looks the part as far as a bellcow running back," Bleacher Report NFL analyst Chris Simms said of Hyde. "He has all the skills. The kid can catch the football, he can run routes out of the backfield. He's a well-rounded back and I fully expect him to be the guy."
Even in limited playing time to spell Gore in 2014, Hyde still produced.
The Ohio State product carried the ball 83 times for 333 yards (4.0 yards per carry) and four scores, and also added 12 receptions for 68 yards.
Depth at running back for the Niners shouldn't be an issue come fall. They signed Reggie Bush in the offseason, bring back Kendall Hunter and drafted Mike Davis out of South Carolina.
However, it is Hyde who appears ready to make a statement in 2015.
(h/t Bleacher Report)
Receive your weekly recap of all the happenings around the world of sports.