Frank Gore: Is San Francisco 49ers Running Back Primed for Career Year in 2011?

Jim Harbaugh and the Lockout Could Be the Catalysts Behind a Career Year for Frank Gore

Frank Gore is one of the most underrated running backs in the NFL. Maybe it's his injuries that have kept the public from recognizing his accomplishments. Perhaps it's his presence on a non-playoff team or even East Coast bias.

Whether or not the world takes notice, Gore could be prepping for the best year of his career. It's a lofty prediction, seeing as Gore racked up 1,695 rushing yards and an additional 485 receiving in one year in 2006.

That year happened to be the only year that Gore played in all 16 games of the season. Gore is a gamer, but unlucky injuries like the season-ending hip fracture he sustained last year have been a problem for Gore since he was in college.

The lockout has given Gore's body a chance to rest. He should be fresh and ready to go, seeing as his hip injury appears to be an isolated injury that won't linger into next season.

He's also going to be playing under an offensive-minded head coach in Jim Harbaugh. The 49ers are going to have to pick up the offense from Harbaugh on the fly, as they can't possibly learn the intricacies of the offense before the season begins, despite Alex Smith's valiant effort to teach the offense to the team at "Camp Alex."

Gore is the 49ers' best weapon, and Harbaugh will undoubtedly call upon Gore to carry his West Coast offense.

Gore is a workhorse back, which is why defensive-minded coaches that came before Harbaugh have elected to feed Gore too many carries behind a lackluster offensive line, making for a shortened season for the back.

Harbaugh will likely utilize Gore out of the backfield more and feature an offense that is more conducive to keeping Gore healthy. Rather than lining up with the intent to "hit people in the mouth," the new offense should put forth a better balance of physicality and finesse.

Aside from the offensive game plan improvements, the 49ers are going to have the best offense they've had since Gore entered the team in 2005.

The offensive line is exponentially better than the one Gore ran behind in 2006, when he accumulated well over 2,000 all-purpose yards.

Mike Iupati could develop into an All-Pro-level guard next year, and Anthony Davis is sure to benefit from the action he saw last season.

Eric Heitmann's neck surgery hurts the Niners, but David Baas should be able to step in capably. Right guard remains an issue, but you probably won't see Gore complaining about one lackluster spot on the line, as he has done well for himself despite a miserable offensive line in the past.

Vernon Davis is Vernon Davis. He gets better with age, and there is a huge possibility he will be on his way to the beach when this season is said and done.

The 49ers have a slew of underachieving receivers, but the new offense will likely adhere to their abilities. The same goes for Smith, who is entering his fifth or so make-or-break season.

With the offensive improvements around him, Gore completing a full season should make for a monster year from No. 21.