Gore in '06

We've all heard the story before--an athelete with enormous potential constantly marred by injuries, finally overcomes all the physical setbacks to succeed on the field--yet we can't seem to get enough of it. Fellow 49er fans, we have the opportunity this year to witness another comeback of sorts. Five years ago San Francisco witnessed the remarkable return of Garrison Hearst from a broken ankle and the bone degeneration that followed.

This season's spotlight shines on Frank Gore, who suffered a torn ACL in 2001 at the University of Miami, causing him to miss the entire 2002 season, and again on his other knee five games into the 2003 season. True, Gore has been healthy for a while now, but a breakout season with the 49ers would firmly establish his place in the NFL and quiet all the doubters over his injury history.

Kevan Barlow (personal site), having passed the Jets physical, which at first glance seems like maybe it's harder than your average "cup-and-cough", has been traded to the Jets, leaving the starting job in the hands of Gore. Barlow failed to impress the 49ers in his six years with the team, never putting together a solid season and drawing doubts and criticism about his commitment and presence in the locker room. Gore's intensity and work ethic bring a welcome change to a position whose excitement has been dulled somewhat by inconsistency and injuries.

While most other teams have question marks at certain positions, the entire 49ers team can be characterized as one enormous unknown. Throughout the off-season we've found that some question marks tend toward pessimism (the entire defense), one or two tend towards optimism (Antonio Bryant), and a couple oscillate frustratingly in between (Alex Smith). Regardless, you can officially start getting excited for Gore, running in 2006, where the campaign is "Return to Glory (at some point)."

Running Back: the one position the Niners feel pretty confident about