HBO's TV show "Hard Knocks" follows an NFL team throughout training camp and the preseason every year, often giving a boost in popularity to the team that volunteers to be featured. Here's why the San Francisco 49ers are perfect for the show this year:
5) Colin Kaepernick
San Francisco has gone all in on Kaepernick as their franchise quarterback, and this is his make-or-break year after struggling in 2014. He's spent time this offseason training with Kurt Warner, and seeing the progression of one of the league's marquee players will be very interesting.
4) New Head Coach Jim Tomsula
Tomsula is taking over for the departed Jim Harbaugh, and many wonder if he can keep the 49ers among the top teams in the NFC. Seeing the exploits of a first-time head coach is always interesting - Hard Knocks had the Miami Dolphins in 2012 in Joe Philbin's first year - and Tomsula's quirks and questionable interview skills should create some entertainment.
3) Team in Transition
Frank Gore, Patrick Willis, and Justin Smith have been among San Francisco's best players during the past decade, but they're all gone, as is top wideout Michael Crabtree. All of that turnover will lead to several intriguing positional battles that will make for exciting storylines.
2) NaVarro Bowman's Recovery
NaVarro Bowman is still recovering from a torn ACL and MCL he suffered in the 2013 NFC Championship Game, and the team is confident he’ll be ready to go in 2015. Head coach Jim Tomsula said Bowman has been in the 49ers facility rehabbing his knee every day, and all signs point to him making a positive recovery. Watching him try to make a comeback on the field would be extremely intriguing.
1) Jerryd Hayne
Hayne is a former Australian Rugby League star, and watching him try to learn and adjust to the sport will add a dimension the show hasn't had before. San Francisco plans to use him as a running back, but seeing how his skills translate to the NFL would be amazing to watch.
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