San Francisco 49ers running backs coach Bobby Turner was among the assistants who spoke with reporters on Tuesday, and much of the conversation centered on third-round draft pick Kaelon Black. The rookie entered the NFL with something to prove after many analysts labeled him a reach at No. 90 overall.

According to Turner, Black's motivation didn't start after the post-draft analysis. The coach noticed the running back's competitive mindset from their very first conversations during the pre-draft process.


"He has a lot to prove, and wants to prove that he could play, that he should be one of the starters, and that he should be on the field," Turner said. "Competitors always want to be out there 100 percent of the time."

Turner added that Black has been highly coachable and eager to improve. The rookie consistently seeks feedback, approaching his position coach daily with a desire to learn what it takes to become a great NFL running back.

Of course, Christian McCaffrey remains firmly entrenched as the 49ers' starting running back, which could limit Black's opportunities early on. Still, the rookie's job is to show the coaching staff that he can be trusted when his number is called.

Black is coming off a standout season at Indiana, where he rushed for 1,040 yards and 10 touchdowns while averaging 5.6 yards per carry. He achieved those numbers despite sharing carries with Roman Hemby during the Hoosiers' championship run.

So what are the 49ers hoping to see from Black when training camp begins in late July?


"Just growth," Turner said. "So, in other words, improve on, starting with the run game, his reads, pre-snap reads, vision. I've always, my whole career, been huge with vision. I feel that's one thing in running backs that's overlooked. But the vision, pre-snap reads, being able, in the protections, to pick up, their technique.

"I'm always looking to improve a person's technique, but the thing about courage, their toughness, they've got to have that, and I definitely feel he has that."

If the rookie can show consistent growth in those areas during training camp, he could carve out a role in the 49ers' backfield in 2026.

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