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Is Kevan Barlow: The Next One?

Is Kevan Barlow: The Next One?

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Do you think Kevan Barlow will be a stud this year?- Karl, Las Vegas

The foreplay on Barlow has been excruciating for fans and fantasy owners. For 3 years Kevan Barlow has been knocking on stardom's doorstep. However each new season of promise would quickly be augmented by the reality of having to share the football and spotlight with veteran runner Garrison Hearst. Until now.

After years of salary cap abuse, the 49ers can't purge contracts fast enough. Having two starting-quality running backs on their roster was a luxury new ownership deemed it could no longer afford. Garrison Hearst was subsequently released and then signed by Denver. An ironic, yet positive twist for Barlow. He finally gets handed the keys to drive the 49ers offense, only to discover there is no gas in the tank. Gone are former Pro Bowlers Terrell Owens and Jeff Garcia. This is unmistakably Barlow's team now. And he's a lone ranger. Sound familiar? Think this man. The new ownership regime is counting on Barlow to piggy-back them through one or two seasons of salary cap cleansing. Barlow is a thoroughbred and has been groomed for this role like few others. This is his moment, and he appears primed and ready to take full advantage of it;

He's taking over," 49ers coach Dennis Erickson said. "Kevan knows he's the guy now and that's made a huge difference in the offseason, it's made a huge difference in all our minicamps."

"He put a lot of effort into the offseason program and the rewards are starting to show," running backs coach Tim Lappano said. "Nobody's ever questioned his talent. Now he's grown up. He's a little bit more relaxed now that he got the contract and he understands the organization is behind him. Now he can relax and have fun."

"I'm excited and I'm ready," Barlow said. "I'm setting some extreme goals for myself that I know I can reach." - AP

Betting on Barlow seems like a wise play these days. Consider him the Google IPO of the 2004 season. Get in line.

Recommended reading: Can Barlow hold on? [SFIllustrated]

Credits: 49ers' Barlow ready to shoulder load [SFGate.com]
Photo: [Kevan Barlow]

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