Jarryd Hayne Deserves 49ers Roster Spot After Impressive Preseason Performances

The San Francisco 49ers said goodbye to coach Jim Harbaugh and a number of marquee players—including Patrick Willis, Frank Gore, Justin Smith, Chris Borland and Michael Crabtree—this offseason. However, previously unknown rugby star Jarryd Hayne is the one making headlines during the preseason rather than any other personnel concerns. 

The former two-time player of the year in Australia's National Rugby League has turned heads for good reason as he battles for a roster spot.

Hayne led the 49ers in rushing yards in both of their preseason games and proved himself as a dangerous weapon with the ball in his hands on special teams. He kept fans interested well into the second half of meaningless games in the standings and highlighted just how deserving he is of a spot on San Francisco's team. 

It is important to point out that this is not arguing that Hayne should start at running back alongside Colin Kaepernick in Week 1 of the regular season just because he impressed in the preseason. Rather, the former rugby star possesses enough skills and the appropriate upside to make the roster, and his early numbers underscore that assertion:

Opponent	Carries	Rushing Yards	Rushing Average	Long Run	Punt Returns	Punt Return Yards	Punt Return Average	Total Touchdowns
Houston Texans	5	63	12.6	53	1	33	33	0
Dallas Cowboys	8	54	6.75	34	3	84	28	0

The NFL provided video of his highlights:

That statistical production did not come by accident. Hayne checks in at an intimidating 6'2" and 226 pounds, and he ran a blistering 4.53 40-yard dash when he worked out for teams this offseason, per Frank Schwab of Yahoo Sports. For context, only five running backs at the most recent NFL Scouting Combine beat that time.

That combination of speed and power doesn't just help Hayne at the running back spot. He demonstrated his versatility on special teams as a punt returner, and it is not hard to see how his rugby skills translate in that department. His vision and ability to see the field, elusiveness in space, speed and willingness to absorb contact and keep moving forward set the 49ers up with ideal field position multiple times. 

The NFL Network shared one impressive return in particular that had Hayne looking like Willie Mays fielding fly balls in San Francisco:

Guard Alex Boone discussed Hayne's immediate impact on special teams, per Schwab: "Was I surprised? Yeah. I think everyone was a little surprised. But he's been playing rugby, he understands the concepts and he's probably a lot tougher than a lot of us. He's not afraid to get dirty." 

The statistical production has matched the physical makeup for Hayne thus far in the preseason. The only real question about his spot on the roster concerns San Francisco's depth, as Bleacher Report's Matt Miller noted:

Carlos Hyde is an explosive young back who many see as a potential breakout star this season, Reggie Bush is a proven playmaker at the NFL level and rookie Mike Davis boasts solid upside. These three are virtual locks to be on the team in Week 1.

However, Kendall Hunter tore his ACL before the 2014 campaign and has not appeared in the preseason. While he has produced for the 49ers before, his numbers (1,202 rushing yards on 4.6 yards per carry in 43 games) aren't so overwhelming that he is guaranteed a roster spot, especially as a health concern. Miller echoed sentiment that Hayne could ultimately take Hunter's spot on the roster.

Patric Schneider/Associated Press

Hayne simply has too much momentum moving in his favor and will earn a spot on the 49ers for Week 1 of the regular season.

It helps that Hunter is less than 100 percent healthy, but Hayne's value and versatility as a potential game-breaker on special teams is enough alone to merit discussion about his worthiness. Throw in his raw physical skills as a runner and his early performances in August, and Hayne is in the driver's seat for a roster position.

It may only be preseason, but the former rugby star has made himself impossible to ignore with the regular season right around the corner.