49ers’ Mostert prepares for another role: leading running back on a contender
Raheem Mostert has appeared in 50 regular season games since arriving in the NFL in 2015. The 49ers’ speedy running back had no carries in 25 of them, and six or fewer in 37 of them.
There’s no question the No. 1 running back spot Mostert’s slated to earn in 2020 would be a significant adjustment after coming out of nowhere to have one of the best performances in playoff history in January.
Mostert’s 220 yards in the NFC title game were the second-most in postseason history, as were his four touchdowns, as the 49ers ran all over the Green Bay Packers to reach the Super Bowl.
Mostert will be expected to build off that this coming season.
“My hunger right now, more than ever, it’s so pure,” Mostert said on a video conference call this week. “And I want to just get back to that level and exceed what I did last year, times ten.”
Mostert figures to be 49ers’ top RB
Mostert figures to top Kyle Shanahan’s depth chart at running back for a team that finished No. 2 in rushing last season. That could mean upwards of 200 carries in the fall. To this point, Mostert has just 178 runs in five seasons. It would take averaging 13 rushes a game to reach 200 for a season. He’s had at least 13 carries four times, including the Packers game.
Mostert’s inspirational story first garnered national attention following his game against Green Bay. Mostert, of course, has been on seven NFL teams and spent his first five offseasons working to avoid getting cut, not as a top tailback. He zoomed from anonymous to one of the most popular guests on television and radio.
For Mostert, proving he’s more than a one-postseason wonder is going to take a different type of preparation. More carries mean more hits, which means Mostert has to focus on durability in a way he hasn’t since turning pro.
“Right now, I’m just building myself up,” Mostert said from his new home in Cleveland. “ I’ve actually been gaining some more muscle, which is kind of bizarre just because I haven’t really been able to think about gaining muscle because I’ve already had muscle like that.
“But just trying to incorporate those things into my daily workouts so I’m able to take those hits and be one of those guys that are getting 200 carries. I got to get prepared for that, and the only way I know how is to get bulky and stronger.”
Mostert is known for his track speed which could be compromised if he adds too much heft. He was listed at 205 pounds last season, 15 pounds heavier than 190 pounds when he won the Big 10 title in 60-, 100- and 200-meter dashes in the indoor and outdoor conference championships while at Purdue.
Complementing Mostert will be Tevin Coleman, third-year pro Jeff Wilson Jr. and Jerick McKinnon, who’s back after reworking his contract following two missed seasons due to an ACL tear and complications. The team also signed undrafted rookies Jamycal Hasty (Baylor) and Salvon Ahmed (Washington).
Coronavirus concerns
Mostert was among the first 49ers players to prepare for the perils of the coronavirus this spring. He canceled an autograph signing during the first weekend in March, a week before the NBA canceled its season and well California’s shelter-in-place mandate was put in place March 19.
Like many, Mostert and his wife, Devon, are concerned about safety when the 49ers eventually return to the practice field. Training camp is tentatively expected to start on time in Santa Clara at the end of July.
“My wife has been concerned,” Mostert said. “She’s actually cried a couple times just because she wants to make sure, not only myself, but those 90 guys that are in the locker room are going to all be safe, and their families as well.
“We’ve had talks about it. She understands that, no matter, this is my job and I have to do what my job requires me to do.”
Mostert said the shelter in place this offseason prevented him and his family from traveling outside the country. Mostert said he wanted to take his young son, Gunner, to other countries because Mostert didn’t have that opportunity when he was a child.
“So being able to not have that opportunity, it does hinder us. But I’m also thankful to be able to be here. This month I would be in California right now,” he said. “My family would be back in Cleveland. Yeah, I love it that I’m spending extra time with them and getting our house prepared, because we’ve just moved into a new house. It’s nice. Nothing wrong with the situation because I’m spending it with my family.”
Missing man
A key difference to San Francisco’s running back depth chart will be the absence of Matt Breida, who was traded on the third day of last month’s draft to the Miami Dolphins for a fifth-round pick.
Mostert and Breida were extremely close. Both entered the league as undrafted free agents and had to work to become productive NFL running backs. The news of trade brought mixed emotions to Mostert.
“I told Matt I was angry but at the same time I was happy just because he’s getting the opportunity to go down to Miami and to try to be one of the best backs in Miami that he can possibly be,” said Mostert. “And I know he’s going to take that step because that’s all Matt does. I was fortunate to watch him grow from being a young rookie to being a full grown man in this league and for me, I’m more so excited for him.”