Frank Gore Jr., son of former NFL running back Frank Gore, is making his own mark as a draft prospect at the NFL Scouting Combine. While Frank Gore Sr. has been working in the San Francisco 49ers’ front office, his son insists that he doesn’t receive any inside information from his father. Instead, he relies on his dad to help him become a professional athlete.
The younger Gore, like his father, is a running back. While his father was a third-round draft pick for the 49ers in 2005, Gore Jr. is projected to be a Day 3 selection. He recently had an informal interview with the 49ers and looks forward to spending time with his father after completing his workouts at the combine.
Frank Gore Sr., who played 10 seasons with the 49ers, retired in 2020 as the organization’s all-time rushing leader. He accumulated 16,000 yards on the ground, ranking behind only Emmitt Smith and Walter Payton in NFL history. Gore Jr. admires his father’s work ethic and discipline, referring to him as a “robot” who follows the same schedule every day.
Gore Jr., who had a successful college career at Southern Mississippi, acknowledges the constant comparisons to his father but embraces his name as a blessing and an opportunity. He recognizes the responsibility he has to take his father’s name further and is determined to make his own mark in the NFL.
The future of the NFL and the running back position holds various potential trends and developments. With the increasing emphasis on passing offenses and the evolution of analytics in football, running backs are facing new challenges and expectations. Here are some potential future trends related to running backs in the NFL:
1. Versatility and Multi-dimensional Skillset
As the game becomes more pass-heavy, running backs will need to possess a versatile and multi-dimensional skillset to contribute effectively to their teams. They will be expected to not only excel in running the ball but also be competent in pass protection, route running, and catching passes. Running backs who can line up as receivers and create mismatches against linebackers and safeties will be highly sought after in the draft.
2. Increased Focus on Durability and Longevity
With the physical nature of the position and the toll it takes on the body, teams will prioritize running backs who can stay healthy and sustain their effectiveness over a longer period. This means not only having the necessary physical attributes but also being diligent in taking care of their bodies through proper training, recovery, and nutrition. Teams may invest more in sports science and other technologies to monitor and optimize the health and performance of their running backs.
3. Analytics and Data-driven Decision Making
The use of analytics and data-driven decision making is becoming increasingly prevalent in football. Teams are leveraging advanced metrics and statistical models to evaluate player performance and make strategic decisions. Running backs who can excel in areas such as yards after contact, broken tackles, and elusiveness will be highly valued in this data-driven era. Coaches and teams will also rely on analytics to determine optimal usage and workload management for their running backs, aiming to maximize efficiency and minimize the risk of injuries.
4. Shift towards Running Back Committees
While there will always be exceptional individual talents at the running back position, teams are likely to shift towards utilizing running back committees to distribute the workload and minimize the risk of injuries. By employing multiple running backs with complementary skill sets, teams can maintain a fresh and dynamic backfield throughout the season. This also allows them to tailor their game plan and exploit specific matchups against opposing defenses.
Conclusion
The future of running backs in the NFL is set to witness exciting developments and changes. The rise of versatile, multi-dimensional backs who can excel in various aspects of the game, alongside the increasing use of analytics, will shape the way teams evaluate and utilize running backs. The emphasis on durability, health, and workload management will also play a significant role in the long-term success of running backs. As young prospects like Frank Gore Jr. enter the league, they will need to adapt to these emerging trends and make their own mark on the ever-evolving landscape of professional football.