Jeff Garcia thinks Brian Hoyer can be the next Jeff Garcia. Rather, Garcia believes Hoyer has the tools to repeat his feat of coming in with low expectations and developing into a quality quarterback for the 49ers.

That’s the gist of what Garcia told Joe, Lo and Dibs during an interview Wednesday on 95.7 The Game.

Asked if Hoyer is a stopgap QB, Garcia replied, “Well, so was I. It’s all about opportunities in the NFL and taking advantage of those opportunities. … This is his opportunity to … take the bull by the horns.” Related Articles 49ers downgrade Dee Ford, rule him out against New York Jets

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Many in Niner Nation think Hoyer is inevitably a stopgap option — much like most fans anticipated someone to supplant Garcia as the 49ers’ starter in 1999. Garcia stepped in for Steve Young, who decided to retire after suffering a concussion in Week 4, and went 2-8 with as many interceptions as touchdowns (11). Still, the Gilroy native and San Jose State product remained under center — despite the 49ers drafting two quarterbacks — and he wound up going to three straight Pro Bowls (2000-03).

Garcia sees hints of why Hoyer can be similarly successful, particularly from Hoyer’s time under 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan while the two were with the Browns.

“When he stepped on the field in Cleveland under (Kyle) Shanahan’s system, I did like what I saw and how he operated the system,” Garcia said. “Now getting a full offseason, a full training camp to be that guy — a guy who was able to study under Tom Brady in New England — and take that Shanahan system … Now it’s a matter of him staying healthy and executing the system. I think he’s very capable of doing it and taking advantage of this opportunity.”

As far as opportunities go, Garcia said new 49ers general manager John Lynch will likely maximize his.

“He’s got the IQ from the players standpoint to know the type of players it takes to build a team and build chemistry within that locker room,” Garcia said. “A lot of questions to be answered (about the team), but I think John Lynch was a great hire as the general manager. A guy who has football knowledge, football experience, know-how as a winner being a Super Bowl champion. I thought it was a great addition.”