First, it was 49ers left tackle Joe Staley saying he knew he’d have to get in shape to play in Chip Kelly’s faster-paced offense.
Then it was new left guard Zane Beadles, signed as a free agent, saying that the offense was one of the best selling points to signing with San Francisco.
“The up-tempo offense and that style of play is something that I enjoy,” he told a writer for the team’s website.
Now, running back Carlos Hyde says he’s altered his offseason workout program to be ready to play for Kelly.
Hyde, who’s been working out in Miami this offseason, is hoping to drop from 235 pounds to about 220, and already is under 230, according to Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee. The idea isn’t to lose his power – he’s working to stay just as strong – but to be able to handle the load as the primary ballcarrier in an offense that is expected to run plays at a very quick pace in a no-huddle scheme.
David Alexander, who has been working to train Hyde the past two seasons at DBC Fitness in Miami, told Barrows that Hyde’s offseason regimen is different this year than last.
“The minute I saw the 49ers got Chip Kelly, we completely changed his approach to how he trained,” Alexander told Barrows, adding that Hyde has “his mind wrapped around being on the field 10 plays straight.”
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Hyde played just seven games last season as the team’s top back before he was sidelined by a foot injury. In seven games he rushed for 470 yards and three touchdowns, while also catching 11 passes.
After Kelly was hired in San Francisco, he said one player he was excited to coach was Hyde.
“I am a huge Carlos Hyde fan,” said Kelly.
