Hayne's teammate out to steal NFL dream

Meet Bruce Ellington – the man out to steal Jarryd Hayne's dream away.

San Francisco 49ers Hayne has come under fire in recent weeks after failing to make the most of his limited opportunities as the franchise's punt returner.

And after fumbling three times in six games, the former Parramatta Eel has been benched for Friday morning's (AEDT) NFC West rivalry game against the Seattle Seahawks.

And now free from injury, second-year man Ellington is the man likely to swoop and make the position his own.

Ellington made a name as a dual-athlete at the University of South Carolina, playing both basketball and American football.

On the courts, he averaged 11.2points, 2.7 rebounds, three assists and a steal per game, while out on the field he had 106 career receptions for 1,586 yards (1,450m) and 16 touchdowns.

However, he ultimately decided to play in the NFL, forgoing his senior year to opt for the 2014 draft where he was picked at No.106.

Signing a four-year rookie contract, the 1.75m tall, 89kg wide receiver scored three touchdowns in his first year with the franchise.

But at the start of this season, he took on the role of kick returner on top of his wide receiver duties as well as vying with Hayne and veteran Reggie Bush, another injury concern, for the punt return duties.

However, despite a strong start to the season, grabbing four receptions for 44 yards (40m), Ellington was waylaid by a calf injury, forcing the 49ers to rely on Hayne as their sole punt returner.

But with Ellington and Bush returning for the grudge match against the Seahawks, 49ers coach Jim Tomsula could have some hard decisions to make on the playing future of Hayne.