Reggie Bush is one of the newest additions to the 49ers, and has quickly gotten into the mix, learning the new system and working with quarterback Colin Kaepernick.
"We've been installing plays, getting the new offensive system down," Bush told KNBR on Wednesday, updating where the team is at. "And yeah, I've been working with [Colin] Kaepernick, and the offensive coordinator."
"I'm just getting to know Kaepernick, but from what I've seen since Day 1, since I stepped foot in this facility, he's been the hardest working guy on the team. He's the first guy on the field, he's the last guy off the practice field. He's one of the last ones out of the weight room, he's putting in extra work and overtime.
[MAIOCCO: Baalke: Kaepernick developing chemistry with Reggie Bush]
"So far I like what I've seen out of Kaepernick, and I've been around a number of quarterbacks now. His work ethic ranks at the top," Bush said, who won a Super Bowl behind Saints All-Pro passer Drew Brees in the 2009 season.
"That's something that really excites me from a guy in his position, with the pressure on his shoulders, and all the things that come along with being a starting quarterback ... he's a leader on the football field, verbally, and running plays and stuff like that. I'm really excited to play with him, and obviously he has a tremendous amount of upside."
With his pass-catching ability and penchant for running outside the numbers, Bush also brings a new element to San Francisco.
When asked if he would be a pass catcher or ball carrier for the 49ers, Bush simply said, "Both."
"Yeah, if you're asking if we're going to throw some swing passes, yes," Bush said, laughing. "I think that'd be an understatement."
[MAIOCCO: Screen shot: 49ers could use more short passes with Bush]
The 49ers attempted five screen passes to running backs last season, according to Pro Football Focus, and they rarely threw to backs otherwise.
How will this new element take in San Francisco?
"Time will tell," Bush said of the team forming a new identity. "You can't -- it's hard to find an identity of a team within a couple weeks of workouts and on-field, running plays and stuff. Time will tell. Obviously I know there's been some questions because there's been some really good players that retired, you know, from the defensive side, and some guys on the offensive side of the ball that have gone on to other teams.
"I think time will tell. I think so far everybody on this team is really motivated to go out and work hard and give it their best. Just get better. And that's all you can really ask for early on ... It's way too early to start trying to find identities and stuff like that. But everybody's mindset is in the right place, everybody's focused, and everybody's here."
