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The San Francisco 49ers may be turning to LaMichael James to provide a change-of-pace at running back soon, and feature back Frank Gore says he has seen improvement in the rookie since fall camp. James was a playmaker in college, but he has yet to see action on an regular-season NFL field.
Gore talked with reporters on Tuesday about how he has worked with James on waiting for the right holes and picking the correct spots to accelerate, according to CSN Bay Area:
"When you’re getting the ball it ain’t about how fast you go, it’s penetration, how fast you can get through. When he used to get the ball he used to just use his speed. I told him you’ve got to let things develop, be patient. When you see it, that’s when you be fast through the hole," Gore said.
James put up big numbers at Oregon. He racked up 1,805 yards rushing and 18 touchdowns on 7.3 yards per carry as a junior. He was a go-to runner from his freshman season, totaling 5,082 and 53 touchdowns for a talented Ducks squad.
The Niners may be looking for a spark, as their running backs struggled in a loss to the Rams on Sunday. Gore and Brandon Jacobs combined for just 64 yards on 27 carries.