If wide receiver Marquise Goodwin had any skeptics entering the 2017 season, he may be already turning a few of them into believers.
There has been no shortage of No. 11 sightings. Goodwin wants to make name for himself with th San Francisco 49ers, and he's already impressed in the first three days of training camp. He's been a regular in the end zone and has showcased his improved versatility as a route-runner.
Just ask the guys who are lining up across from him.
"Me and him out there running is like a track meet almost," cornerback Rashard Robinson said. "He is fast."
Goodwin kicked off practice with a 60-yard touchdown reception up the middle from Pierre Garçon during first team period on Sunday. But there's more to the speedy receiver than his prototypical go-routes.
"I see myself open quite often because a lot of people are threatened by the speed," Goodwin said. "So, that's when other routes come in hand. People are used to seeing me run go (routes), and that's not the case."
Goodwin won't let you forget that he is a two-time NCAA champion in the long jump and four-time NCAA All-American. He also holds the fourth-fastest 40-yard dash time in combine history (4.27). Last season, Goodwin hauled 29 receptions for 431 yards and three touchdowns with the Buffalo Bills. Five of his six career touchdown receptions have been from 40 yards or longer.
Now under the tutelage of head coach Kyle Shanahan, Goodwin has the opportunity to become a well-rounded threat in the 49ers offense.
"I think it's very tough to succeed in this league for very long when all you are is a speed guy, because people can run with you if they get a 15-yard head start," Shanahan said. "You've got to be able to run the route tree or have the threat of it. Marquise, we believed he could do it and so far, he's shown us that. He's worked at it. He's worked at his hands, he's breaking down and he's doing a good job so far."
Goodwin has often been compared to Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Taylor Gabriel, who posted career numbers under Shanahan in 2016 with 579 yards and six touchdowns. Goodwin sees the potential for similar production from himself in 2017.
"It was a great decision for me to be able to play under Kyle and play with my teammates. I always wanted to be a part of his offense," Goodwin said. "He had one of the most prolific offenses in the game last year. And so just looking to build off what they did last year and bring that here. Same intensity, same swagger, just a little more juice."
Goodwin's early success in camp suggests that this may be the year for his potential to translate into consistent production on Sundays.
"I'm constantly evolving as a receiver," Goodwin said. "And that's credit to my coach and my teammates for believing in me and pushing me each day and correcting me on the little details."
