San Francisco 49ers: RB Kendall Hunter
Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images
As followers of the San Francisco 49ers know too well, the offense evolves around a core group of four players, for better or worse. The "Core Four" are quarterback Alex Smith, running back Frank Gore, tight end Vernon Davis and wide receiver Michael Crabtree. Gore usually gets the majority of rushing attempts, and Alex Smith divides the vast majority of his targets up between the trio of Gore, Davis and Crabtree.
The rest of the offense is left to fend for itself and look for whatever crumbs may come their way in a given week. Sometime there is a wait of multiple weeks for the other guys to touch the ball or have a chance to contribute with some offense. Kendall Hunter heads up the next wave of offensive players that are under-the-radar.
Hunter gained 76 yards rushing the ball in Week 17, which followed up rushing for 73 yards in Week 16. In those games, he averaged 4.8 yards per carry and 6.1 yards per carry. Hunter is heating up at the right time, but will the 49ers give him enough touches in the playoffs to make an impact? Against New Orleans last weekend, Hunter had six rushes and one pass reception for a total of 36 yards of offense. If Gore is getting worn out from carrying the bulk of the load, Hunter will be ready to step in.