ESPN NFL

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

The 49ers' decision to draft Alabama running back Glen Coffee in the third round figures to help starter Frank Gore if Coffee develops as anticipated.

Competition generally helps keep guys performing at a high level. And if the 49ers can keep Gore fresher, he'll hold up better physically late in the season.

Gore's comments to reporters following practice Tuesday showed little concern. Gore shouldn't be concerned. He's going to be the starter. But if the 49ers are right about Coffee, Gore will face greater competition for playing time. DeShaun Foster wasn't a threat last season.

Gore on sharing the load: I haven't heard that we're going to take some of the load off of me. I know the coach has been telling me that I have to be in tip-top shape and I have to be ready to take the load, and that's what I'm going to do.

Gore on getting more rest: Well, I feel like the more I'm in the game, the more I touch the ball, the better player I am. The back they've got here is a pretty good back. He's working very hard and he's learning the offense. I like him. Whenever they feel that they want to put him in, get him [inaudible], I feel that he'll be alright to get in the game."

Gore on whether rotating will hurt his effectiveness: I don't think that we'll be rotating. But, like I say, my type of style and running the ball and playing, I feel like I get better the more I'm in and the more I touch the ball.

Gore's carries have fallen off significantly during his three full seasons as the starter, from 312 in 2006 to 260 in 2007 to 240 last season. Injuries played a role. I haven't researched it in detail, but my sense also says the 49ers haven't regularly been in position to close out opponents by running the ball late in games.

Coffee's ability to learn the offense, including his roles in protection, could determine how quickly the coaching staff can trust him in key situations.