Explosive 2024 RB talent Rod Gainey Jr. enters transfer portal
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
From IMG Academy to Tampa Bay Tech, Rod Gainey Jr. (6-0, 181) showcased his skills out of the backfield throughout his high school career. An explosive back that can reach the end zone with just a little crease from anywhere on the field, the athletic talents, strength, and knowledge of the game has increased after a redshirt season with Charlotte. A change at the top of the 49ers’ coaching staff has the former four-star looking for a new collegiate home.
On Nov. 26, Gainey made his announcement to Ninernation. Even after the release of head coach Biff Poggi, the decision was not easy for Gainey.
“The season has been great,” Gainey said. “I have watched a lot of great guys play. I have been coached by great guys; I have learned a lot here from high school to college – I have learned a lot. I trained well with coach “Lew” (Lewis Caralla). It is great here; I enjoyed my time.”
Playing in the first four games of the season against James Madison, North Carolina, Gardner-Webb, and Indiana before putting on a redshirt, Gainey spoke about the 49ers’ offensive style and his role in the scheme.
“We are a Pro Style offense,” Gainey stated. “We are back in the gun, the majority in the gun, with a lot of good running plays. The offense fits my style – zone and duo. We have great receivers and two great quarterbacks; we have a good offense.
“For me, I had a few jet sweeps to get me into space; I am dangerous in space. On zone plays, I was learning how to read the linebackers. They tried to get me in space within the offense and I would play my role.”
Rod Gainey Jr. (No. 6) on the 49ers sidelines (2024).
The time in Charlotte made Gainey a better overall player.
“I got bigger and smarter with the game,” Gainey shared. “The experience, that has opened my eyes making my game better. I am picking up my blocks much better now. The experience has helped how I run the ball. The players are stronger, you have to be smarter. You don’t make cuts obvious, you have to protect the ball and yourself, and get down when necessary.”
All players have that “welcome to college football” moment. Gainey spoke about his, “My welcome to college moment was against Indiana. I got in at the end and ran a few times. At the end of one play, I fell, and a linebacker fell on my shoulder; I was thinking these guys are big. This is grown man football. These hits are different.”
Gainey has ideas on what he is looking for in that next fit.
“I can play in any offense, what I am looking for in a team is a place that will be straightforward with me, have a bond with the coaches, where nothing is forced, just great love,” Gainey said. “The city is important. Also, being used the way I know I can be used to help the team. I want to be put in a position to help the team. I want to be in a position to learn as a person and as a man, to just learn more overall.”
Interest for Gainey is already piling up. An offer has been extended from Florida A&M.
ON THE STAT SHEET
Making that move from IMG Academy as a sophomore to Tampa Bay Tech for his junior campaign, Gainey scorched Florida defenses. Through the Titans’ 12-game season, Gainey carried the rock 158 times for 1,518 yards with 14 scores. He also pulled in 11 passes for 73 yards with three more touchdowns.
In 2023, Gainey toted the rock 130 times for 1,087 yards, supporting an 8.4 yard per carry average, with 14 scores on the ground.
During his freshman season with the 49ers, Gainey got 10 carries in four games rushing for 34 yards and added one reception for 13 yards.