APAt Stanford last year Jim Harbaugh was the only coach in major college football to use a full-time two-way player, with fullback/linebacker Owen Marecic in the starting lineup on both offense and defense. Now Harbaugh is the head coach of the 49ers, and he still likes having players work on both sides of the ball.
Rookie sixth-round draft pick Colin Jones is primarily a safety in 49ers camp, the same position he played in college at TCU. But Harbaugh is also giving him some time at wide receiver in training camp. And seventh-round pick Bruce Miller was a defensive end at Central Florida, but Harbaugh has him playing fullback primarily, with some extra time at linebacker.
Harbaugh has told young players that the more they can do, the better chance they’ll have to make the 53-man roster. That’s good news for versatile players like Jones and Miller.
Harbaugh once referred to Marecic (who’s now with the Browns) as “the football player I always wanted to be.” Two-way players are players Harbaugh loves.
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Having non football skills like first aid, massage therapy, cart driving, custodial duty, field maintenance, etc. immeasurably improves a player’s chances of making the roster as well. Eliminating the need for costly support staff.
Really? That’s just too easy
Ugh.
Of course “starting” a guy on both sides of the ball
Should result in a double salary at his position(s)!
I love me an iron man and I think it’s about time the NFL got on board
This story annoyed me 2 days guys when I read it on one of the beat writer’s blogs. My immediate thought was…its amateur hour in Santa Clara. If a player isn’t good enough to start at one position or play special teams, no point in trying him at a position on the other side of the ball. In college it can work, but not at this level…it usually only happens in emergencies. Those reps should be going to the actual starter or back-ups.
Harbs gets a free pass as I’m not going to beat up a new coach in his first year, but this doesn’t instil confidence in me that they know what they are doing, but that’s nothing new around here.
He did not say he like two-way players, he said he likes players who go both ways; they connect better with the fan base in San Fran.
Someone had to give it a shot.
..Not that there’s anything wrong with that.
Is he the 49ers one or the Ravens one?
People are forgetting the only other NFL coach who likes players who cab play on both offense and defense.. Bill Bellichick. Anyone remember a guy named Mike Vrabel? Pretty good player. Used in key situations in red zone offense. Love the jokes, but in all seriousness, Harbaugh seems like he’s got a plan. Definitely needs a couple years to get the right players though.
switch hitter?
“Jim Harbaugh likes two way players”
Thats what she said….
So does Kordell Stewart….
kellyb9 says: Aug 19, 2011 12:54 PM
“Is he the 49ers one or the Ravens one?”
The picture of him wearing 49′ers gear might offer a clue.
This obviously doesn’t work in the NFL and is purely a gimmick
I’m sure the player safety police will LOVE having a guy line up for twice as many snaps as usual.
i think that is why he chose San Francisco….because everybody there pretty much swings both way….although the preference is young boys
Remember Troy Brown, WR of the New England Patriots. When BB asked him if he could help out on the defense due to injuries, Brown replied ” I’m a football player coach put me where you need me.” Brown also excelled at special team play.
can anyone on defense throw the ball?
Alex Smith is so bad he doesn’t even count as a one way player.
And here he is coaching of all things, and getting paid – What, something around 5 mil. While here we sit.
“Jim Harbaugh likes two-way players” = Headline EPIC FAIL