Do you remember what the running back position looked like for the San Francisco 49ers prior to the arrival of Christian McCaffrey? Things were different, but by no means were they negative.
With the help of then run-game coordinator Mike McDaniel, Kyle Shanahan’s offense was quickly known for developing top-end talent without the star power. With the help of their running back-friendly scheme, Shanahan and the 49ers seemed to often find hidden gems who could carry the rock and get instant production. Players like Raheem Mostert, Elijah Mitchell and Matt Brieda all broke out and thrived in Shanahan’s offense.
While all eyes will be on McCaffrey again when the regular season starts in September, before we get there, Saturday’s preseason opener against the Tennessee Titans might provide a glimpse of yet another hidden gem in the San Francisco backfield.
Jordan Mason and Elijah Mitchell will likely battle for the No. 2 running back position, while rookie Isaac Guerendo and newly signed veteran Breida will also demand carries. However, with McCaffrey already ruled out of the preseason, and both Mitchell and Guerendo dealing with hamstring injuries, another back — possibly another hidden gem — could be in line to make an impact on Saturday in Tennessee. Enter undrafted rookie free agent Cody Schrader.
After leading all of Division II in rushing with 2,074 yards at Truman in 2021, Schrader entered the transfer portal and walked on at Missouri. In his senior season, Schrader helped lead the Tigers to an 11-2 record with a No, 8 ranking and a win against Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl.
On the way to the Cotton Bowl, Schrader broke the Missouri single-season rushing record with 1.627 yards. Schrader also punched in 14 touchdowns for the Tigers. Schrader finished his last six games with over 112 yards rushing in each game. Schrader helped torch Tennesse with 205 yards on the ground and 116 yards receiving.
Following a stellar campaign with Mizzou, Schrader was named First-Team AP All-American, First-Team All-SEC, a Doak Walker award finalist and he finished eighth in Heisman voting.
Despite his production in the most talented conference in college football, Schrader went undrafted. The undrafted free agent running back quickly landed with the 49ers — arguably one of the top destinations for a running back trying to prove themselves.
Schrader has thrived in Missouri’s zone scheme with coach Eliah Drinkwitz, while showing impressive vision, toughness, instinct and the contact balance to consistently break tackles at the SEC level. All things that could play in Shanahan’s system.
Schrader seems to already be generating some buzz from his time at training camp and now an impressive debut in the preseason could be what he needs to catapult himself into a position to lock up a roster spot in Santa Clara.
Via @Coach_Yac on Twitter:
Kyle Juszczyk on rookie RB Cody Schrader:
“I’ve been particularly impressed with Cody Schrader. He works his absolute tail off. He’s very intelligent. He just goes out there and plays a good consistent clean game and we’ve really enjoyed having him.” pic.twitter.com/FSpdxYWvS3
— Coach Yac 🗣 (@Coach_Yac) July 30, 2024
While there will be questions about Schrader’s speed and athleticism, this is what the preseason, especially week one, is all about, giving players like him a chance to compete at the NFL and prove themselves another day.
Schrader will be a name to highlight on Saturday in the preseason. The 49ers will kick off against the Titans on Saturday at 4 p.m. PT.
This post originally appeared on Niners Wire! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
