If a full redshirt season in the NFL really has Marcus Lattimore back to full speed as a running back, then the second year pro could end up being the steal of the 2013 NFL Draft.
The 49ers start offseason OTA’s on Monday and Lattimore will reportedly have restrictions. Lattimore joins a crowded backfield in San Francisco. Frank Gore and Kendall Hunter know their roles, and LaMichael James is reportedly on the trade block after requesting a bigger role in the running game.
Despite all the competition, Lattimore told The State that he’s ready to play and make an impact for the 49ers.
Lattimore heard about the James report and recognized the opportunity. The ache is subsiding into a flutter of optimism.
“If that happens, it does put me in that No. 3 spot,” Lattimore said. “But I’ve just got to go in there and work hard. I can pass-protect and run the ball. I’ve got to show that.”
“After my injury, I just wanted to walk again,” Lattimore told The State on Friday. “It was tough, very tough. We’re a playoff team, so we play 20-plus games. Being on that sideline, we got so close to theSuper Bowl title the last three years.
“But I’m blessed to be in this situation. Never would have thought in a million years I’d be in this situation.”