Kyle Shanahan likes a little linebacker in his quarterbacks.
Exhibit A? Meet C.J. Beathard, the 49ers’ third-round pick from Iowa whom they traded up to select last week. In 2015, the Hawkeyes won because of The Gimper: Beathard hobbled through the season with torn abdominal muscles that required sports hernia surgery after he led the Iowa to a 12-2 record and berth in the Rose Bowl.
“He wouldn’t come off the field unless they dragged him off the field,” said Iowa tight end George Kittle, who was selected by the 49ers in the fifth round:
Exhibit B?