Sourdough Sam
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- Mar 20, 2019
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Every day leading up to the start of training camp set for July 28, 49ers.com will assess a position group on the roster as we get closer to the season. To kick things off, we'll begin with special teams and how the unit can continue to improve in 2020.
Position Outlook
Believe it or not, one of the more intriguing position battles heading into training camp later this month surrounds the 49ers special teams unit. Outside of positional locks (kicker, punter and long snapper), the 49ers haven't delegated a bona fide return specialist heading into the season. As camp battles loom, who will return punts and kicks for San Francisco in 2020?
Position Breakdown
Kicker: Robbie Gould (16th Season)
Punter: Mitch Wishnowsky (2nd Season)
Long Snapper: Kyle Nelson (9th Season)
Return Specialists: Brandon Aiyuk (1st Season), Travis Benjamin (9th Season), Chris Finke (1st Season), Richie James Jr. (3rd Season), Dante Pettis (3rd Season), D.J. Reed Jr. (3rd Season), Trent Taylor (4th Season)
2019 Recap
According to Football Outsiders, San Francisco boasted the 12th-ranked special teams unit last season. James Jr. served as the 49ers primary punt returner, averaging 8.0 yards per punt return attempt, tied for the ninth-best mark in the league. However, the 49ers were 27th-ranked in kick returns, averaging 20.5 yards per return in 2019.
Returner Breakdown