SANTA CLARA -- No player on the team has improved his stock in the offseason like running back Anthony Dixon.
Dixon was a long shot when camp opened. But he has played himself onto the team, 49ers general manager Trent Baalke and offensive coordinator Greg Roman intimated in recent radio interviews.
"I think we can look to 'Dix' to have his most productive season as a Niner," Roman said Tuesday morning on KNBR.
Of course, Dixon can't have his most productive season if he does not win a roster spot behind Frank Gore, Kendall Hunter, Brandon Jacobs, LaMichael James and fullback Bruce Miller.
Dixon's spot on the roster could be read as bad news for veteran Rock Cartwright, who is viewed as strictly a special-teams player. Dixon has also played well on special teams.
"Anthony is a 49er," Baalke said Monday on 95.7 The Game. "The guy loves to be here. He works his tail end off every day. He's had a tremendous offseason and it's staring to show.
"He has worked on his body. He's got himself at a good playing weight. He's learning two positions now, fullback and running back. We're pleased with what he's doing on the offensive side and also pleased with what he brings to the table on special teams."
If Dixon had continued on the same path of his first two NFL seasons, he stood virtually no chance of winning a roster spot. But Dixon met the challenge even as the 49ers increased the competition he faced.
Dixon leads the 49ers with 30 carries for 116 yards rushing (3.9 average) and one touchdown during the exhibition season. He also has four catches for 18 yards, and has performed well as a lead-blocker.
As a rookie in 2010, Dixon carried 70 times for 237 yards (3.4 average) and two touchdowns. Last year as the No. 3 running back, Dixon rushed for just 87 yards on 29 attempts (3.0 average) and two touchdowns.
"He's stepped up his preparation," Roman said. "He's another guy who's really matured as a player. . . He came in with a laser-beam focus this year."
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need to bring him over here.
