San Francisco

Niners' Miller is Transitioning to Tight End

Former fullback has lost weight while getting in even better shape to prepare for new, versatile role in Chip Kelly's offense

Change has been a constant in Bruce Miller’s football career.

He played several positions, including tight end, in high school, then was a defensive end in college before transitioning into a fullback as a rookie with the 49ers in 2011.

Now Miller is on the move again to tight end, where he’s lining up during the team’s organized team activities (OTAs) this week.

Once the 49ers hired Chip Kelly as head coach, Miller knew his role as a fullback would change, because Kelly’s spread offense does not feature a fullback.

So this offseason, he’s prepared. He told media members this week that he lost 15 pounds since last season and he’s worked out hard to make certain he’s in peak shape to perform in a faster-paced offense.

“I’m exhausted we’ve been running so much,” Miller told reporters this week.

Miller isn’t as tall as many tight ends at 6-foot-1 or as heavy now at about 240 pounds, but he’s an excellent blocker and was a steady receiver out of the backfield as a fullback. He’ll try to work his way into the rotation at the position with Vance McDonald, Garrett Celek, Blake Bell and Busta Anderson.

Quarterback Blaine Gabbert told Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee this week that Miller has been making a smooth transition.

“He’s been doing great,” said Gabbert. “He had a big catch today from the slot. He’s just a good football player. … Whatever the team needs Bruce to do, he’s willing to do it.”

Miller also has been an outstanding special teams player since coming to San Francisco and should continue to contribute there.

In 77 games over five seasons with the 49ers, Miller has caught 76 passes for 734 yards and three touchdowns. On special teams, he’s been in on 24 tackles and recovered a fumble.

Kelly believes Miller is a plus on his team for his versatility and approach to the game, calling him simply, “a football player.”

“I don’t think Bruce himself can be stereotyped as, ‘He’s just this,’ ” said Kelly recently. “You’re talking about a guy who was a defensive end in college.”

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