The San Francisco 49ers love what they’ve seen so far from rookie quarterback Trey Lance. But head coach Kyle Shanahan has maintained that Lance is their QB of the future, not the present. Jimmy Garoppolo will stay under center for the time being. Except for a few novelty plays, Lance’s practice reps will be with the second team–even though he’s impressed at training camp.
“He’s looked tremendous,” 49ers general manager John Lynch recently told Adam Schefter, per ProFootballTalk. “He really has. I think what’s been most impressive about Trey, everyone wants to talk about physical traits, but the way he approaches his job, he’s a pro in its truest sense.”
Lance, whom the Niners selected third overall this spring, has impacted practice with his energy and competitiveness. Receiver Mohamed Sanu has said that Lance possesses an “it” factor necessary to live up to the hype.
“We’ve got a lot of guys who love the game and are willing to do the necessary things to prepare,” Lynch said, “and I think Trey really is an embodiment of that. And he’s looking good on the field too.”
Lance flashed his unique talent at practice Tuesday. Rolling to his left, Lance slung a 50-yard touchdown pass across his body. The North Dakota State alum has made a few mind-boggling throws since reporting to camp.
Lynch also believes that Lance has pushed Garoppolo to another level. According to the GM, Garoppolo has fed off the rookie’s presence.
“Jimmy’s a big-time competitor,” Lynch said. “We haven’t played a game yet, but in practice in the offseason and practice in training camp thus far, he’s played his best football since he’s been here … He’s really playing at a high level, and that’s what competitors do. When they’re challenged, they rise to the occasion, and I think he’s doing a great job of that.”
Garoppolo has battled injuries since arriving in San Francisco three years ago. He’s missed 23 games as a 49er. Another significant injury for the former Patriot could mean an early start to the Trey Lance era in the Bay Area.
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