Frank Gore's 2010 season ended with a fractured hip and he's scheduled to become a free agent after this season. Yet, he'll turn just 28 years old Saturday, and the 49ers' have already stated that they plan on locking him up for far beyond 2011. But just in case something goes wrong -- maybe Gore's hip never regains full strength or he does take more money from some other team -- the 49ers think they've got his replacement in tow. It's not current backup Anthony Dixon ; it's 2011 fourth-round draft pick Kendall Hunter . "We're not looking at [Hunter] as a change-of-pace back," general manager Trent Baalke said. "We think he's a four-down back. He can run the power game, he can get to the edge, he can catch a ball out of the backfield, he can pass-protect and he can return punts and kickoffs. ... He's got a very good combination of quickness, strength and bursts. Is he a 4.3 guy? No. But he has very good competitive speed. You don't see him get caught from behind. I really like the way he finishes his runs." Hunter, an Oklahoma State product, ran for 1,548 yards and 16 touchdowns during his senior season last year.

Fantasy Analysis:

Pay attention, those of you in keeper and dynasty leagues. It certainly sounds like the 49ers have high expectations for Hunter, even if they keep Gore for another 3-4 years. Gore has had plenty of injury problems in his career, so Hunter may get his chance to shine pretty soon. I'm not sure where this leaves Dixon. I guess we'll find out during training camp. Hunter isn't very big -- 5-foot-7, 200 pounds -- but scouts rave about how he runs with a lot of power. He's pretty quick and should also be able to develop into a quality pass-catching back.