George Kittle explains how one ‘freak’ undrafted rookie made him watch something 10 times in practice

George Kittle explains how one ‘freak’ undrafted rookie made him watch something 10 times in practice
Niners Nation Niners Nation

49ers star tight end George Kittle spoke highly about rookie wideout Isaiah Neyor

San Francisco 49ers George Kittle spoke about a couple of interesting topics on the Bussin’ With The Boys podcast recently. One was about his recovery, where Kittle was discussing using a Vasper System for his training in a way that only George can:

“It knocks you the f*ck out at night. You sleep so well, and you have wild dreams. The main selling point is that you blow huge loads… That’s how it was sold to players that it boosts your testosterone, you sleep really well, you feel really great, and you’re also going to blow huge loads.

In 2019, there were like six or seven 49ers coaches doing it all the time. Mike LaFleur, our OC, was in there all the time. Going to town. Post practice he was the first guy in. He’d jog to after practice to beat all the players. It was hilarious.”

Moving on...

Kittle pointed out a rookie undrafted free agent wide receiver who caught his eye during the offseason program. Former Nebraska wideout Isaiah Neyor:

“He’s a good kid. I like him. He’s a freak. He is really tall. I watched him, he was running a route, and he got like nine and a half yards in two strides. I was like, ‘Holy sh*t.’ It was insane. We watched it like 10 times as the tight end room. We’re like, ‘How is he doing this?’”

Kittle sounded like a teammate that would be surprised not to see Neyor on the roster or practice squad come October. Kittle isn’t exaggerating with the “freak” label. Neyor was in the 78th percentile for vertical jump and 80th percentile for the 10-yard split. It gets better, as the former Cornhusker finished in the 94th percentile or better in height, wingspan, arm length, and broad jump. Oh, and he ran a 4.4, good for the 85th percentile.

Kittle continued, saying, “I mean, if you’re that tall, just make plays and do well on special teams. At the bare minimum, he should make the practice squad.”

It’s all about opportunity. If Neyor can play the role of Chris Conley — a special-teams demon the past couple of seasons — he’ll make the roster. It’ll help if Neyor provides value in the red zone, on third downs, or on back shoulder fades. Essentially, carve out a niche that something nobody else brings to the table on a roster where there will be opportunity at wide receiver.