San Francisco 49ers
August 17, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; General view of Levi's Stadium during the first quarter between the San Francisco 49ers and the Denver Broncos. REUTERS/Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

San Francisco 49ers rookie Jarryd Hayne has been impressing the team’s coaches and teammates in his bid for an NFL career. The 49ers hopeful displayed his running back skills when he burst for a 53-yard gain during San Francisco’s preseason opener against Houston Texans last week. However, 49ers special teams coordinator Thomas McGaughey Jr believes the former rugby league star would suit well as a punt returner.

McGaughey, who also coached Aussie punters Brad Wing and Jamie Keenh at Louisiana State University, had praised Hayne during the 49ers’ training camp earlier this month, tipping the former Eel that he has the ability to make the club’s 53-man roster as a running back with his natural open field skills. But after a notable preseason debut, McGaughey believes Hayne could suit up as a returner after showing pure instincts in playing his first American football game.

"Well, you know, you obviously want to make smart decisions, but Jarryd is fearless. That's one of the characteristics that it takes to be a great punt returner,” McGaughey said, reports the Sydney Morning Herald.

Hayne’s 53-yard dash awe-inspired fans and pundits as he sent Texans’ defenders skating, but his efforts as a returner was the biggest surprise in his remarkable debut. Hayne had a strong 33-yard kick return in his first try.

However, McGaughey was quick to be realistic in Hayne’s campaign for a 49ers slot. McGaughey claimed the Aussie has a long way to go having only played his first preseason game with the club.

Meanwhile, Hayne assured himself that he is always confident in his chances of making the cut for the 49ers’ lineup. Hayne said during a news conference on Thursday that he is only focused on his game and on whatever things he can do to help the team.

“I was always confident. For me, I didn’t need a play to have that confidence,” Hayne said, reports New York Times.

Contact the writer at feedback@ibtimes.com.au, or let us know what you think below.

RELATED STORIES