Deebo Samuel, the dynamic wide receiver, has consistently demonstrated his prowess on the field. Known for his exceptional yards-after-catch ability and physical playing style, Samuel has become a key asset. However, concerns about his weight have led to a dedicated focus on his conditioning, resulting in a rigorous offseason weight loss routine. This article delves into Samuel's weight management efforts, his training regimen, and the impact on his performance and leadership within the team.
The Drive for Optimal Performance
One of the 49ers receiver’s greatest assets is the thick lower body he used like a wrecking ball to smash through would-be tacklers last year. Of his 802 receiving yards, 484 came after the catch, most of it coming on throws in the middle of the defense. His yards-after-catch total led all rookies and was fifth overall in the NFL, according to Pro Football Focus. The 49ers, however, worry that Samuel might become too unwieldy. They felt he was too heavy when he arrived in Santa Clara after the 2019 draft, which led to long, daily, pre-practice runs with position coach Wes Welker. Welker initially wanted Samuel at around 212 pounds. When the extra running failed to significantly flatten Samuel’s curve, they came up with a compromise: Samuel could play at 220 pounds and not a pound more.
Samuel's journey toward peak physical condition has been a focal point, driven by both team expectations and his personal ambition. The 49ers coaching staff, particularly position coach Wes Welker, emphasized the importance of maintaining an optimal weight for Samuel to maximize his agility and speed.
Early Challenges and Adjustments
Upon entering the NFL, the 49ers felt he was too heavy when he arrived in Santa Clara after the 2019 draft, which led to long, daily, pre-practice runs with position coach Wes Welker. Welker initially wanted Samuel at around 212 pounds. Samuel's initial weight became a concern for the 49ers, prompting a series of adjustments to his training regimen.
The Offseason Regimen: A Commitment to Change
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Welker and the 49ers’ strength and conditioning staff aren’t able to work in-person with Samuel and his teammates for the usual offseason conditioning program, raising the question: If Welker isn’t there to be hard on Samuel, who will? The answer: Samuel’s doing it himself. When the offseason began, he was working out with 49ers running back Jerick McKinnon in the Atlanta area. Last week, McKinnon left for Houston so he could ramp up his routine by training alongside one-time teammate Adrian Peterson at his gym. McKinnon asked Samuel if he wanted to join him in Houston but warned that the sessions would be more intense than anything he was used to. Samuel quickly learned that was no exaggeration.
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Intense Training Sessions
“Our first workout was last Wednesday and it was three hours long,” Samuel said while noting the regimen included an artificial hill, running in sand and track-style work. Another 49ers teammate, newly acquired tackle Trent Williams, also trains at the 35,000-square-foot facility. Samuel's offseason training involved rigorous workouts designed to enhance his speed and agility. These sessions included running in sand, track-style work, and using an artificial hill.
Self-Discipline and Motivation
Samuel said that when the 49ers are permitted to train in Santa Clara again, he wants to surprise Welker by arriving at a new weight, something under 216 pounds. When asked if he’s worried about shedding too much bulk and thus losing the very thing that made him special last season, Samuel said the collisions might be even more violent because he’ll have gained a bit of speed, which is the reason Welker wanted him lighter in the first place. Samuel’s commitment to his weight loss goals demonstrates a high level of self-discipline and motivation. Even without direct supervision from his coaches, Samuel took the initiative to intensify his training, aiming to surprise his coaches with his improved physique.
Embracing Leadership and Guiding New Talent
During his Wednesday interviews with reporters, Samuel not only sounded like someone intent on avoiding the sophomore slump that has affected a few teammates in recent years but also like he was ready to take on a bigger leadership role, especially among the wide receivers. The 49ers lost their most veteran players at the position in recent months when Emmanuel Sanders signed with the Saints and Marquise Goodwin was traded to the Eagles. Sanders had a particularly big impact when he arrived in October last year with everyone from quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo to tight end George Kittle seeing upticks in their production.
With the departure of veteran players, Samuel recognized the need to step into a leadership role. He actively sought to mentor younger players, drawing from his own experiences to guide them through the challenges of the NFL.
Mentoring Brandon Aiyuk
Last year, Samuel worked with the 49ers coaching staff at the Senior Bowl in January and then had the benefit of a full offseason. Still, he found it difficult to both digest Kyle Shanahan’s voluminous playbook and operate at full speed. He realized that will be even more challenging for Aiyuk, whose inaugural NFL offseason already has been curtailed. That’s why he got the rookie’s number. Samuel’s guidance extended to offering advice and support to rookie receiver Brandon Aiyuk. Understanding the complexities of the 49ers' offense and the difficulties of adapting to the NFL, Samuel reached out to Aiyuk to provide mentorship and encouragement.
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Impact of Veteran Leadership
Samuel did, too. He averaged 33.6 receiving yards per game before the 49ers acquired Sanders. After the trade? That average nearly doubled, to 63.4 yards per game with Samuel coming up big in a home loss to the Seahawks and a narrow win over the Cardinals in November when the team’s injury issues were especially severe. “When we got Emmanuel - you could see it - the whole room changed,” Samuel said. “He brought the leader mentality, the vet mentality we needed in the room. Any time we needed advice or anything, he was always there.” Samuel acknowledged the positive impact of veteran leadership, particularly from Emmanuel Sanders, on his own performance and the team's dynamics. This experience motivated him to provide similar guidance to his younger teammates.
Overcoming Challenges and Maintaining Focus
“The mindset ain’t gonna change,” he said. “You’re going to feel the pain either way.” Samuel's determination to maintain his aggressive playing style while improving his conditioning reflects his commitment to continuous improvement. He understands that the physical demands of the game will always be present, but he is focused on optimizing his body to handle those demands more effectively.
Adapting to New Expectations
Now it’s Samuel who’s dispensing advice. Last month, he made two phone calls following the first round of the draft. The first was to his former South Carolina teammate, Javon Kinlaw, who will slide into the defensive tackle spot DeForest Buckner had the last four seasons. Samuel’s message: “He’s got big shoes to fill,” he said. “And he’s more than ready - just ready to get out there and show coaches what he’s capable of. And I’ve seen it firsthand when he was there.” After the 49ers selected Arizona State receiver Brandon Aiyuk later in the first round, Samuel texted Welker and asked for Aiyuk’s number. Samuel said he liked Aiyuk’s blend of finesse and power and thought he and the newcomer had similar skills. One of the 49ers’ bread-and-butter plays in 2019 was a jet-sweep handoff to Samuel, and he said having another receiver who was dangerous on those plays would knock defenses off balance even more. Samuel embraced his evolving role within the team, taking on responsibilities both on and off the field. His interactions with new draftees and his focus on team dynamics highlight his dedication to the 49ers' success.
The Impact of Weight Loss on Performance
“I knew how hard it is to be as good as you want to be in this offense, without thinking,” Samuel said. “So I gave him a call and was like, ‘Hey, man, I just want you to know, it’s going to take time.’ … Because I was around the coaches and able to use the coaches as much as possible. With him, it’s just a Zoom call and it’s kind of hard to listen to a guy telling you what to do and not being able to go out on the field. So I was just like, ‘You just have to lock in, pay attention. The primary goal of Samuel's weight loss routine is to enhance his performance on the field. By reducing his weight to under 216 pounds, Samuel aims to increase his speed and agility, making him an even more formidable player.
Enhanced Speed and Agility
When asked if he’s worried about shedding too much bulk and thus losing the very thing that made him special last season, Samuel said the collisions might be even more violent because he’ll have gained a bit of speed, which is the reason Welker wanted him lighter in the first place. The anticipated increase in speed and agility is expected to make Samuel's collisions even more impactful. This improvement aligns with the coaching staff's vision of optimizing Samuel's physical capabilities.
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Recent Performance and Future Outlook
Deebo reportedly played overweight last year and lost strength after dealing with the flu during the season. This summer, he busted ass to be in better shape. Recent reports indicate that Samuel's efforts to improve his fitness have paid off. After struggling with weight and health issues in the past, Samuel has demonstrated a strong commitment to his physical conditioning.
Fantasy Football Implications
With Deebo completely off the injury report, JD5 returning, and McLaurin being out for the near future… Gotta figure this guy is a weekly top 20 option if he can stay healthy. His production seems sustainable. Samuel's improved fitness and performance have significant implications for fantasy football enthusiasts. With his injury concerns addressed and his role within the team solidified, Samuel is poised to be a valuable asset in fantasy leagues.
Overcoming Past Challenges
It wasn't just the flu last season, it turned into a hospitalization for pneumonia. If you've ever had pneumonia then you know how royally it fucks you up. The weight was likely related to his cardio going into the toilet. He was a big target of mine because this offense is so good and he's a great gadget player who can be used in a lot of ways. Samuel's journey has not been without its challenges. Overcoming health issues and weight concerns has required significant dedication and resilience.
Current Status and Future Potential
But, later, over the summer, tweets showed him busting his ass, and getting in to shape. Any remaining doubt was removed by his preseason performance (which I posted about briefly). So I went from fading Deebo in early/mid July, to owning him on about a third of my bestball teams by opening kick off. And a third is a ton when you consider his bestball ADP was right next to Rome's, another heavy target of mine after training camp reports of him emerging as the clear #1 over DJ. Currently, Samuel is in excellent physical condition, ready to contribute significantly to his team's success. His commitment to continuous improvement and his evolving leadership role position him as a key player for the foreseeable future.