The 49ers may have uncovered something in Kaelon Black, and Kyle Juszczyk is already talking like a veteran who has seen enough to know the rookie belongs.
On the 49ers Talk podcast with NBC Sports Bay Area’s Matt Maiocco and Jennifer Lee Chan, the All-Pro fullback said Black has stood out during offseason work for more than just effort. The rookie running back has made an impression with his build, burst and the way he moves through traffic.
"I've been so impressed by Kaelon Black," Juszczyk said. "He No. 1 is a ball of muscle.
This guy is absolutely jacked and he's explosive. That's really what has stood out to me is how twitchy and explosive he gets through that hole."
That kind of buzz is notable for a player trying to carve out a role before the pads even come on. Black, a third-round pick from Indiana, has already flashed enough physical presence to get noticed in a setting where running backs usually have limited chances to separate themselves. Juszczyk pointed to the force you can still feel in those unpadded sessions when a back hits the line with real conviction.
The praise wasn’t just about what Black looks like or how he runs. Juszczyk also said the rookie has shown he can handle the mental side of the job, which matters plenty in Kyle Shanahan’s offense.
"Been really impressed with him physically, mentally as well," Juszczyk added. "Like just a guy that seems to get it, that works hard, that cares about the classroom. So, I think there's a lot of good things ahead for Kaelon, and I think he's going to help us."
With training camp nearing, Black has become a name worth watching. He’ll be in the mix for the RB2 job with Jordan James, and if what the 49ers have seen so far carries over once the pads are on, he could give them a dependable, low-cost option with a real shot at the 53-man roster.
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