Hayne responds to harsh running style criticism

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jarryd hayne

49ers analyst Matt Maiocco said the 27-year-old would have to be a special talent as a kick returner if he wanted to make San Francisco's 53-man final roster.

"Jarryd Hayne must earn his spot with the 49ers on special teams," Maiocco wrote for Comcast Bay Area.

"Hayne runs too upright to succeed as an NFL running back. Maybe he’s just unsure of himself, too, but he does not exhibit the kind of explosion and short-area quickness that’s a necessity at his position.

"At this point, it’s unreasonable to think he can make the team solely as a running back. While playing rugby league in Australia, he probably never heard anyone talk about his pad level ... because he never wore pads in his former career. The pads do not go on until training camp, and he will have to make a quick adjustment," he said.

Hayne, who grew up in Minto in Sydney's west, talked about the criticism at a recent media session during training camp with the San Francisco 49ers.

"Obviously my running style is the biggest thing I have to change, with being so high," he said.

"But we watched some video today of where I was to where I am now and it’s better, but there’s obviously still a lot more to improve."

The former Eels, NSW and Australian rugby league star also accepted that he has had little experience running with the restrictive and heavy gridiron pads on.

"I think that’s going to be the key indicator, when we get pads on," Hayne said.

"It’s one thing running routes with no pads, it’s definitely up another level when there’s pads on, that’s going to be the real test.

"I’ve trained with pads, I’ve done half a dozen sessions with a Sydney team in Australia with pads on. It’s definitely different."

Hayne is currently battling for the fourth running back position on the 49ers roster with rookie Mike Davis. 

Behind the best three options Carlos Hyde, Reggie Bush and Kendall Hunter.
 
"Everyone’s good and you have to realise everyone is trying to make the roster," Hayne said. 

"We’ve got maybe 50 percent of the boys guaranteed a spot, and the rest are still chipping away, looking to make the squad. Part of this experience was that humbling of myself."

The 'Hayne Plane' was known as one of the most destructive ball runners in rugby league, largely due to his upright running stance which allowed him to combine his awesome speed and agility with his powerful fend.

That mixture will likely be ineffective when running towards 140kg defenders with pads on. 

Author(s)
Kieran Francis Photo

Kieran Francis is a senior editor at Sporting News Australia.