One of the best punt returners in NCAA history will get another chance to replicate his college success in the NFL.

Amid speculation wide receiver Dante Pettis would eschew return duties because of what’s expected to be a more prominent offensive role, 49ers special teams coordinator Richard Hightower said Pettis is competing for the job.

“We’re going to play the best guy back there,” Hightower said Tuesday. “That’s been coach (Kyle) Shanahan’s philosophy and that’s our philosophy.”

Said Pettis: “I don’t they’re worried about if I’m starting or not (whether to) put me back there. I think it’s just that they’re going to put the best guy back there. Obviously, that was (wide receiver) Trent (Taylor) last year.”

In 2018, Pettis, a second-round pick, showed promise at wideout during an injury plagued rookie season, but disappointed as a returner: He averaged 3.0 yards on nine returns and was beaten out by Taylor (7.8 yards, 10 returns) and wideout Richie James (6.3 yards, 12 returns).

The 49ers finished 29th in the NFL in punt-return average (5.8).

Part of Pettis’ appeal in the 2018 draft was his elite special-teams ability. At Washington, he set an NCAA record with nine career punt-return touchdowns and finished first in Pac-12 history in career average (14.2). His 20.7 yards-per-return average as a senior led the NCAA.

Taylor is remarkably sure-handed as a returner, but hasn’t flashed Pettis’ big-play ability in college or the NFL. He averaged 8.3 yards on 58 returns at Louisiana Tech and has averaged 9.0 yards on 40 runbacks with the 49ers, without a return longer than 15 yards.

Still, he was more effective than Pettis last year and and they will be competing for the spot along with James and defensive back D.J. Reed.

It’s worth noting Pettis was hurt on a punt return last year. He missed three games after he sustained a knee injury on a runback in Week 4 against the Chargers.

However, Pettis would hardly be unique if he handled return duties while serving as a starting wideout. In fact, new wide receiver coach Wes Welker averaged 9.8 yards on 264 returns during a 13-year career that included five Pro Bowls.

Welker is also assisting with the punt returners this season.

Said Hightower: “I told the returners, if they don’t use that nugget, then I don’t know what they’re doing.”

Twitter: @Eric_Branch