Jarryd Hayne receives huge endorsement from 49ers’ greatest receiver

THIS is the greatest endorsement Jarryd Hayne has ever received. A 49ers Hall of Famer has given his verdict on the Aussie rookie.

SANTA CLARA, CA - SEPTEMBER 10: Jarryd Hayne #38 of the San Francisco 49ers is wearing jersey #44 while participating in drill during practice on September 10, 2015 in Santa Clara, California. Hayne was wearing the #44 jersey for the 49ers scout team preparing for Monday nights game against the Minnesota Vikings. Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images/AFP == FOR NEWSPAPERS, INTERNET, TELCOS & TELEVISION USE ONLY ==

THERE is no name more adored in San Francisco football than Jerry Rice.

The wide receiver is one of the most revered players in the NFL.

It’s why his verdict over Jarryd Hayne’s NFL prospects is a big deal.

Rice has delivered an incredible show of support for the 27-year-old Aussie ahead of a potential NFL debut in the 49ers’ season-opener against the Minnesota Vikings at Levi’s Stadium on Tuesday (AEST).

The three-time Super Bowl champion has sensationally declared Hayne a special talent that will have a huge impact on the 49ers’ 2015 season — saying he even sees similarities between Hayne and himself.

“There are only a few players in the NFL that when the ball comes to them, everyone is expecting something special,” Rice told Fairfax.

“I expect that with him.

“He’s got that vision on the field — something I always had.

Jerry Rice is aboard the Hayne Plane.

“When I caught the football, I could see exactly where everyone was coming from. That’s unique. I think he’s got that type of vision. When you have that, which a lot of players don’t have that, the sky is the limit for this man.”

Rice, considered the greatest wide receiver of all time, said Hayne is on track to develop into a genuine NFL star.

“Once he really gets the feel for this game, I think he’s going to take it to a whole different level,” he said.

“I think he’s going to be a very big factor for the San Francisco 49ers.

“I think he’s only going to get better with more experience and confidence. They are going to have to involve him. They’re going to have to involve him even as running back. They are going to have to design plays for him.

“I don’t see this guy going backwards, I can only see him going forwards.”

While Rice’s glowing endorsement suggests Hayne is a certainty to see some game time on Tuesday, coach Jim Tomsula has been playing shadow games over the former Parramatta Eels star’s selection for the season opener.

Jerry Rice knows how to dominate the NFL.

49ers special teams co-ordinator Thomas McGaughey also downplayed Hayne’s hopes of taking the field against the Vikings, saying: “He’s new, he’s a rookie.”

“Just because he’s from 3,000 miles away or wherever he’s from, he’s still a rookie in this league. Most rookies, unless you’re a Top 10-15 pick in the draft, they don’t get that much hype.”

The counter evidence to Rice’s declaration was Tomsula’s decision to use Hayne on the scout team in today’s practice session — not part of the regular starting squad.

ESPN reported Hayne was not even wearing his regular No. 38 at training and was instead sporting a No. 44 jumper to play the role of Vikings running back Matt Asiata against the 49ers defence.

Whether Hayne is on the 46-man squad for the Vikings will likely only be known 90 minutes before Monday’s game.