San Francisco 49ers

Niners special teams coordinator says return jobs are wide open

Published Jul. 1, 2015 11:06 a.m. ET

foxsports

The San Francisco 49ers know to have a successful season, special teams will be an important part of their game. Starting field position will be crucial to the 49ers success.

Special teams coordinator Thomas McGaughey Jr. says right now it is an open competition for both the kickoff return job and the punt return job. The kickoff return job has a few options. Those names include rookie wide receiver DeAndrew White, running back Jarryd Hayne, running back Reggie Bush, and when healthy wide receiver Bruce Ellington.

"We’re trying to see who’s going to step up and take the job," McGaughey said, via 49ers.com. "We won’t know until someone takes the first hit. It’s one of those deals where we put the scheme in and everyone understands the scheme. Now it’s about executing that scheme.”

White might be the leader in the clubhouse as he has impressed McGaughey with his speed and vision in the open field.

“He’s very, very fast. He was a Texas state-champion in the 200 meters in high school," McGaughey said. "I coached against him when he was at Alabama and I was at LSU. I know everything about the kid. If you can make it five years at Alabama and they can’t out-recruit you, you’re pretty good.

"He’s not afraid of anything. He ain’t afraid of competition. He goes out there everyday and works his tail off. You can’t ask for much more from a rookie free agent. I think he’s on his way.”

The punt return job is likely down to two options in Bush and Hayne. McGaughey has been very impressed with Hayne, especially in his ability to track the ball.

“Jarryd Hayne is a really good fielder of the ball with his Australian rugby league background. Tracking the ball is real natural to him,” McGaughey said.

Bush, who has returned over 100 punts in his career may be the favorite to land the job. McGaughey can not say enough good things about Bush and is amazed by his work ethic after all these years in the NFL.

“Reggie is one of those guys who you have to pull back. He’s still got it; you just have to make sure to keep him healthy," McGaughey said. "Reggie is the first guy in the building and one of the last to leave.

“He still has the hunger and the desire to be the best. He doesn’t talk about it, he just shows you," McGaughey said. "He’s an unbelievable worker. I can’t wait to sit back and watch him catch punts in the regular season.”

McGaughey has options, which is all any coach can really ask for. Once the pads go on at training camp, the 49ers should start to get a better idea of who will be their primary return guys come Week 1.

(h/t San Francisco 49ers)