The 49ers have been promising some new offensive wrinkles, but who saw this one coming?
On San Francisco’s final drive in Sunday’s 17-9 victory over the Raiders, the Niners introduced 330-pound defensive tackle Isaac Sopoaga to the offensive huddle. Sopoaga was in for two plays — and he finished with a flourish by belting defensive end Trevor Scott to help spring Frank Gore for three yards on a game-clinching third-and-2 play at the two-minute warning.
For obvious reasons, the 49ers haven’t shared many fourth-quarter laughs
this season. But Sopoaga’s appearance provided some levity late Sunday
afternoon. The Niners ran the same play — 30 Ice, a nod to his nickname
— when Sopoaga was on the field.
“They were just laughing,” Sopoaga said. “They were like ‘I can’t
believe you’re in this huddle.’ I was like ‘Hey, it’s just like
practice.'”
Sopoaga’s appearance, however, was no joke. He’s been moonlighting with
the offense for the past three weeks. It was Mike Singletary’s idea to
put Sopoaga at fullback and he approached then offensive coordinator
Jimmy Raye with the idea earlier in the season.
It’s safe to say, Sopoaga has embraced the role. Next, he’d like to embrace the football.
“I’ve been wanting to run the ball so bad,” he said. “But I’ve got to be
smart. Pay attention to what part of the job they offered me to do on
the field. But I know … down the line my arms will be carrying the ball
soon. I cross my fingers.”
Who knows? It’s possible Sopoaga could get his wish. Rugby was his main
sport growing up in American Somoa and he also played fullback at
Samoana High School. As a freshman at College of the Canyons in Santa
Clarita in 2000, he had a national record 31 sacks. He has a unique
blend of athleticism and strength — he is one three 49ers who work out
with 200-pound dumbbells.
“I was really pumped to see Ike in there, blow someone up,” Michael Crabtree said. “Even at practice, I was hyping him up.”
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