San Francisco 49ers

Jarryd Hayne starting to get the hang of American football

Published Jun. 10, 2015 12:37 p.m. ET

foxsports

The adjustment for rugby star Jarryd Hayne to American football has not been an easy one so far. However, with time and practice, he is starting to get a better feel for the game.

Hayne has been getting reps at running back as well as a return man. He is finally starting to see all of his handwork in the classroom come together on the field.

“It’s all coming to the front now with reps and understanding,” Hayne said to 49ers.com. “It’s just with time. Time is the biggest key. The more time I get on the field and the more time I get training, I’ll understand the concepts and the routes a lot better.”

Hayne understands that right now he just needs to understand the routes and the schemes, but once training camp starts and the pads come out, that is where the coaches can truly evaluate him as a football player.

“It’s one thing running routes with no pads, but it will be a different level when pads come on," Hayne said. "That will be the real test.”

The biggest improvement Hayne needs to make is with his running style. He has made a lot of progress from where he started, but still has a long way to go.

“My running style is the biggest thing I need to change, with being so high. ... We watched some video today of where I was to where I am now,” said Hayne. “It’s better but obviously a lot more to improve.”

(h/t San Francisco 49ers)