Dear Old Gold
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Iowa football: The 49ers embracing Hawkeyes in Kyle Shannahan’s second season

By Andrew Wade

CARSON, CA - SEPTEMBER 30: Tight end George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers runs the ball in for a touchdown in the third quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers at StubHub Center on September 30, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
CARSON, CA - SEPTEMBER 30: Tight end George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers runs the ball in for a touchdown in the third quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers at StubHub Center on September 30, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /
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CARSON, CA – SEPTEMBER 30: Cornerbacks Greg Mabin #26 and D.J. Reed #32 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrate in the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at StubHub Center on September 30, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
CARSON, CA – SEPTEMBER 30: Cornerbacks Greg Mabin #26 and D.J. Reed #32 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrate in the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at StubHub Center on September 30, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /

Greg Mabin

We saved the most unlikely guy on this list for last. Greg Mabin’s path the 49ers has not been nearly as conventional as the Kittle and Beathard, but like those two guys, he is making the most of this opportunity. Despite being a four-year starter in the Iowa football program, Mabin didn’t generate much hype after his senior year where he played opposite of Jim Thorpe award winner Desmond King.

After going undrafted in the 2017 draft, Mabin spent a little bit of time with the Buffalo Bills and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before latching on with the 49ers late last season.

In his second season, Mabin is making the absolute most of his time, and in Sunday’s contest against the Chargers, he balled out. The ineffective play of Ahkello Witherspoon and Jimmie Ward led to Mabin getting starter’s playing time, and going against Philip Rivers and that wide receiver group is no easy task.

Needless to say, he did well. Pro Football Focus even named him to their Team of the Week.

The former Iowa football player finished the game with four tackles and one forced fumble. The 49ers passing defense performed noticeably better with Mabin on the field so it will be interesting to see if he did enough Sunday to earn a full-time starters role on the Niner’s defense.