Which San Francisco 49er Has Impressed Most in Camp?

Ed Szczepanski-US PRESSWIRE

With the long awaited third preseason game on the horizon, the 49ers have looked a bit rusty and possibly a dab of what I call, overconfident. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio's comments only adds fuel to the fire. 

The 49ers are coming off a 13-3 season and an appearance in the NFC title bout, so a little confidence wouldn't hurt. Fangio's comments were more so for support, but the possibility of a let-down season is not out of the question. 

History is not on the 49ers' side when it comes to repeating the success of a previous campaign. Just ask the New York Giants, who waited several years before hoisting the Lombardi Trophy once again. 

Discussing championships and such with only preseason footage as proof might be a little overcritical, but these games have shown to be somewhat beneficial. 

It's about translating the success during these warm-up games to when the action counts. It obviously starts with training camp and practice, and from what I hear, there have been several standouts on each end of the ball, including special teams. 

Kendall Hunter

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Kendall Hunter should be the future at the running back position for the 49ers going forward. His play last year demonstrated his extraordinary skills as a lead back in this league. 

He has the speed, strength and agility to dominate if given the necessary carries. Hunter also can play as a situational player, and he is also an excellent pass catcher. 

The 49ers will likely rely on Hunter, especially with the injury news regarding Brandon Jacobs. While Jacobs could return at some point in the season, the Niners will heavily rely on Hunter to carry the load behind Frank Gore. 

Just ask Jim Harbaugh how Hunter has performed in training camp.

Eric Bakhtiari

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The 27-year-old pro may have finally found a home with the San Francisco 49ers. After stints with multiple teams, Bakhtiari should make the final 53-man roster with the 49ers.

In two preseason games, Bakhtiari has recorded 11 tackles and two sacks. The 49ers could use some depth at outside linebacker.  

The 49ers are paper thin at the outside linebacker position, especially with the unfortunate injury to star pass rusher Aldon Smith.

Darius Fleming tore his ACL in the offseason, and Cam Johnson, the 49ers' seventh-round selection, missed the preseason opener after undergoing surgery on his knee.

Bakhtiari will likely be fourth on the depth chart during the regular season, but his presence during the preseason will have opened a few eyes.  

Rock Cartwright

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Rock Cartwright has to have the best names in all of pro sports, up there with Pat Angerer and Captain Munnerlyn––yes, his first name is really Captain––of the NFL world. Who wouldn't want to be named Rock? 

Well, Rock is sure living up to his awesome name. His performance in the second preseason game should be commended, and if all goes well, Rock should make up for the loss of 2011 special teams ace Blake Costanzo, who signed with the Chicago Bears in the offseason.