SANTA CLARA, Calif. — De’Zhaun Stribling 49ers camp momentum is building as the Kapolei High School alumnus makes an early impression with his hands, speed, and poise in traffic.
Quarterback Mac Jones has nicknamed the rookie wideout “The Flyin’ Hawaiian,” and while his burst has been evident in training camp, San Francisco’s defensive backs say it is his mitts that stand out most.
“No. 1 is his hands,” cornerback Deommodore Lenoir said, noting Stribling’s ability to pluck the ball away from his frame and finish through contact. Nickelback Upton Stout added, “I like the way he uses his hands and his speed. He’s gonna be a good addition for us.”
The rookie’s hands measure 10 inches, a notable size for a receiver and the same as 6-foot-6, 332-pound defensive tackle Alfred Collins. Coaches and teammates say Stribling uses that advantage at the line to beat press coverage, at the break point to create space, and at the catch point to secure throws in tight windows.
De’Zhaun Stribling 49ers camp role taking shape
A brief absence for hamstring tightness cost Stribling three practices, though the team emphasized it was not a strain. Otherwise, his transition has stayed on track after he was selected 33rd overall in April, a pick that drew scrutiny at the time.
Wide receivers coach Leonard Hankerson said Stribling has primarily lined up at the F and X spots in camp. That points to duties similar to Jauan Jennings’ recent role at F while also spelling Mike Evans at X.
He has seen less work at Z, where the club once hoped Ricky Pearsall would contribute in 2026 before a season-ending PCL issue. For now, that Z workload is expected to fall to Deebo Samuel and others.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan acknowledged the adjustment after Pearsall’s injury, saying each receiver brings a different skill set and that availability in camp is essential for development at NFL speed.
Contested catches, blocking draw early comparisons
Stribling profiles as a natural fit to replace some of Jennings’ value. He was a strong blocker in college, and he has been efficient on contested targets over the middle, an area where Jennings excelled.
“It’s not just that he’s catching it,” Hankerson said. “He’s strong. He’s attacking it. He’s stepping back to the ball. With the contested catch situation, he’s able to come down with a lot of those. Right now, I can’t really recall him putting one on the ground.”
Working from the slot has put Stribling in frequent battles with Stout, who is also having a strong camp. San Francisco’s secondary has been encouraged to play more aggressively this year, leading to tighter windows and more deflections across the middle.
That approach has challenged some receivers, but Stribling has remained confident with defenders draped on him.
“He’s going to be a dog,” Stout said.
Speed that could change the equation
Where Stribling could separate himself from Jennings is with pure speed. Jennings ran a 4.72-second 40-yard dash before the 2020 draft, while Stribling clocked 4.36 this year.
The 49ers hope that translates into more yards after the catch and deeper shots when defenses squeeze the middle.
“I call him the Flyin’ Hawaiian because he’s so fast,” Jones said. “He has a second gear when the ball’s in the air. Some guys slow down when they look up. He doesn’t, so it’s pretty impressive.”
For local fans on Oahu, the Kapolei product’s early surge offers a compelling storyline as Stribling pushes for a meaningful role in his first NFL season.
That connection to Hawaiʻi echoes other recent standouts, including Elijah Williams, who has also been turning heads in camp.
