ONE of the San Francisco 49ers’ most senior executives has predicted a “jump” from Jarryd Hayne in his second NFL season, branding the former NRL superstar “elite” and “special”.

Paraag Marathe, the 49ers’ chief strategy officer and executive vice president of football operations, who runs the team’s contracts, salary cap and analytics, said the Australian had improved every week in his maiden season.

“I think you’ll see a jump from him,’’ Marathe said while appearing on a panel of sports management figures, as reported by the San Jose Mercury News.

“You look at elite athletes and those guys who have that willpower and desire to succeed and there’s something special in them.”

Hayne played just eight games in his first season, tallying eight punt returns, 17 rushing attempts, six receptions and three fumbles during a campaign that say him dumped to the practice squad mid-term.

media_camera Jarryd Hayne #38 of the San Francisco 49ers.

However, Marathe said the sheer force of will Hayne had shown to forgo his rugby league career and win his way on to the 49ers roster had been greatly impressive.

“The one thing that intrigued us the most about Jarryd Hayne was that will. It was that succeed-at-all-costs mentality that he had,’’ Marathe said.

“That’s what really attracted us to him. So when we brought him in, one of the big things was: Is he going to have enough time to acclimate? Is he going to have enough time to figure the game out? He improved week after week after week.”

Marathe is in his 16th year with the 49ers and his first in the chief strategy officer and executive vice president of football operations roles, reporting directly to CEO Jed York. He “continues in his long-respected role as the team’s chief contract negotiator and salary cap architect, while overseeing the team’s football analytics department,” his 49ers website profile says.

Hayne was also given plaudits by 49ers legend Ronnie Lott, another panellist, who noted the Niners’ recent pick-up of Sydney-born offensive lineman Blake Muir.

“Because of (Hayne), he’s fostered now a whole new dynamic of letting people understand: You can do it. You can get it done,’’ Lott said. “And I think Australia will produce more and more football players.”

Originally published as 49ers guru’s tip for ‘special’ Hayne