Brian Hoyer’s Voluntary Camp is Under Way

Brian Hoyer isn’t among the elite class of quarterbacks in the NFL. He also isn’t someone who puts up huge passing stats or is known for having a rifle arm, fast feet or any specific, outstanding skill set.

But as the designated starter for the 49ers going into the 2017 season, Hoyer has shown leadership and a grasp of Kyle Shanahan’s new offensive scheme.

That leadership extends to this week’s voluntary camp held by Hoyer in Texas for Niners’ receivers, tight ends and running backs. The veteran QB has gathered the group for passing drills, and to keep everyone focused in the period between the full-roster mini camp and training camp, which begins later this month.

Wrote Conor Orr, an analyst for NFL.com: “For someone like Hoyer, who wouldn’t seem to have much competition for the starting role and would also seem to be a bridge option for … Shanahan’s quarterback of the future, it’s a tremendous bit of professionalism.”

Hoyer’s three-day camp opened Monday in Dallas on the campus of Southern Methodist University.

Matt Barrows, who covers the 49ers for the Sacramento Bee, said three other quarterbacks are attending the camp this week: Matt Barkley, C.J. Beathard and Nick Mullens. Also attending, reported Barrows, are: wide receivers Victor Bolden Jr., Kendrick Bourne, DeAndre Carter, Marquise Goodwin, Jeremy Kerley, Aldrick Robinson, DeAndre Smelter and Trent Taylor; tight ends Cole Hikutini, George Kittle and Vance McDonald; and running back Kapri Bibbs.

Hoyer, 31, came into the NFL with the New England Patriots in 2009 and also has spent time with the Cardinals, Browns, Texans and Bears. His best season came under Browns offensive coordinator Shanahan in 2014 when he went 7-6 as a starter, led the NFL with an average of 13.7 yards per completion and threw for 3,326 yards.