Jarryd Hayne Plans to Return to NFL in 2016: Latest Details, Comments, Reaction

San Francisco 49ers return man and former rugby star Jarryd Hayne hasn't been deterred by a series of demotions over recent months. 

After the 49ers released the Australian sensation and then signed him to their practice squad, Hayne reiterated he plans to return to the NFL next season, according to the Sacramento Bee's Matt Barrows: 

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"Oh definitely. It's been exciting," Hayne said when asked if he’s coming back in 2016. "To come this far in seven months, give me 12, 14 (and) it's going to be completely different. And I think anyone who's seen my growth will tell you how much I've changed and developed. And it's always funny, looking at old film, it's one of those awkward things ... 'What was I thinking? Or, 'What was I doing?' It's hilarious."

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Hayne emerged as a fan favorite during the preseason, when he flashed terrific burst and a bruising running style as a return man. Capable of blowing past would-be tacklers in space or bowling them over in tight spots, Hayne looked like a legitimate threat to carve out a season-long role upon making the 53-man roster.

However, Hayne was ultimately cut on Halloween after the 49ers failed to get him involved in more significant capacities. 

"His football inexperience eventually reduced his utility, particularly when starting running back Carlos Hyde’s foot injury emerged," the San Francisco Chronicle's Kevin Lynch wrote. "Hayne’s fearless punt returns disappeared during the regular season and he was a non-factor as a running back."

Fortunately for Hayne, the 49ers were able to scoop him up and find him a place on the team's practice squad—where he's resided ever since. 

"These six weeks I’ve been on the practice squad, I’ve learned so much," Hayne said, according to Joe Fann of the team's official website. "Two weeks ago, I literally took every single rep on the look squad. That was huge."

After making such a strong impression with limited football IQ to his name, Hayne should be worth watching when 2016 training camps get underway.

It's evident he has plenty of physical capability, so learning about NFL blocking schemes and additional tactical minutiae in the months to come stands to bolster his chances of cracking the roster once again.