We here at Niners Wire believe firmly that a player’s jersey number impacts their quality of play. For example, it’s not a coincidence Fred Warner’s career took off when he switched from No. 48 to No. 54.
Some numbers are just better for certain positions. If this sounds preposterous, take it up with 49ers general manager John Lynch, who attributed a number change to undrafted rookie D’Shawn Jamison’s uptick in production.
Here’s what Lynch on Monday in his press conference said about what he’s seen from Jamison:
“Jamison, he showed up. He showed up in a big way. And so much that he’s earned some opportunities. He’s been primarily outside. We think he has some flex inside at the nickel. He’s going to start to see more of those opportunities. And (VP of Football Communications) Corry (Rush) was telling me before, even (WR) Brandon Aiyuk was singing his praises. And that’s because it wasn’t just a flash in the pan where you’ve seen it a couple days. It was really, there were some struggles early on, as often is the case. And I think it was about the last three practices of OTAs, he started to make some plays, started to show up, and he carried it over into training camp.”
All of that is great, and puts Jamison on the radar as a CB who could break through at a relatively thin position for San Francisco or whatever. It’s the “why” of it all that really hits though. Lynch continued (emphasis ours):
“He changed that number. 22 looks better, whatever he was wearing in the forties. I like 47. The other numbers are hard to look good in, but those twenties tend to look better. But he’s really showing up, proud of that kid, and doing a really nice job.”
That’s right. Lynch attributes Jamison’s emergence in part to his new, and dramatically improved jersey number.
A number in the 40s isn’t bad on the surface. A safety (like John Lynch and Ronnie Lott, for example) can thrive with numbers in the 40s. So can a fullback (like Kyle Juszczyk, for example). A cornerback, with minor exceptions (including Lott), cannot.
If Jamison’s No. 22 is on the field for the 49ers on game days, his hard work, competitiveness, talent and dedication to his craft will all play roles, sure. But the key reason will be the switch to a number much better suited to his position.
