Kendall Hunter

Despite being undersized – 5-7, 199 – and fairly little-utilized by the Niners, Hunter's been a credible backup to Frank Gore for the last three years, averaging 4.6 YPC. Though he only carried 78 times last year, he took two for more than 40 yards and five for 20-plus, both career highs. A quick, well-balanced runner, his lack of elite speed hasn't stopped him from breaking off big runs. A July knee injury unfortunately derailed his 2014 season, which figures to provide added opportunities for the likes of Carlos Hyde, Marcus Lattimore and LaMichael James.

At 5-7, 199, Hunter's been quietly effective as the backup to Frank Gore the last two years, averaging 4.6 YPC. His season ended prematurely last year, though, when a torn Achilles' tendon in Week 12 landed him on IR. He hopes to be ready for training camp but will have to compete with LaMichael James for backup snaps when he does return. If the aging Gore were to go down, Hunter likely would split the backfield duties with James.

Hunter didn’t receive a ton of work as a rookie, but played well when given the opportunity, attacking the hole hard and showing noticeably more speed than starter Frank Gore. However, San Francisco signed Brandon Jacobs in free agency and spent a second round pick on LaMichael James, so it’s a crowded backfield behind Gore this season. Hunter might have the most upside of the entire group, but he’ll need injuries to strike to be anything but a change-of-pace type back.

Hunter isn't a burner, but he's still an elusive and quick runner who's tough to track in traffic and is already being projected to be the 49ers' No. 2 running back in 2011. San Francisco’s backfield belongs to Frank Gore, but he's played 16 games just once during his six-year career and is coming off hip surgery. Hunter could make an immediate fantasy impact if Gore were again to go down. This team is going to run the ball a ton under new coach Jim Harbaugh.