The San Francisco 49ers are leaving no stone unturned as they finalize their 90-man roster ahead of training camp. The latest name to enter the orbit of the organization's offseason evaluation process is Connor Tollison, an undrafted center from the University of Missouri and a graduate of Jackson High School, who has earned an invitation to participate in the team's upcoming rookie minicamp.
For the casual fan, this might appear to be a minor note in the long and winding road of NFL roster construction. But for those who follow the trenches closely, Tollison's opportunity is a compelling subplot in the 49ers' ongoing effort to fortify the interior of their offensive line. In a league where quality depth at center is perpetually in short supply, every tryout matters--and Tollison brings a unique blend of toughness, intelligence, and positional versatility that could transform a long shot into a legitimate roster candidate.
The Path from Missouri to Santa Clara
Connor Tollison's journey to an NFL tryout did not begin with a viral highlight reel or an agent's call. It started in the heart of the Midwest, where he established himself as a reliable and durable presence at the pivot for the Missouri Tigers. Over his collegiate career, Tollison started 25 games at center, showcasing the kind of steady, no-nonsense play that offensive line coaches dream of developing.
At 6-foot-3 and around 295 pounds, Tollison isn't the biggest or most athletic center prospect in this year's class. He did not run a blazing 40-yard dash at his pro day, nor did he dominate in the weight room. What he offered instead was something far more valuable in the evaluation process: smart, technical football played consistently snap after snap. His tape reveals a player who understands blocking angles, communicates effectively pre-snap, and possesses the functional strength to anchor against powerful nose tackles.
For the 49ers, a team that emphasizes zone-blocking schemes and requires its centers to make split-second adjustments at the line of scrimmage, Tollison's football IQ is a significant asset. The transition from college to the NFL is especially brutal for interior linemen, but those who process information quickly and can diagnose defensive fronts before the snap often find a path to stick on a roster.
Local Roots, Regional Relevance
Adding a layer of local pride to the narrative is Tollison's high school connection. As a Jackson alum, he is no stranger to the football culture of the region. While the 49ers are a national brand with a global fanbase, the story of a local product competing for a roster spot resonates deeply with the team's community and fan base.
The 49ers have a long and respected history of finding value in undrafted offensive linemen. From previous undrafted contributors to current roster battles, the organization is known for providing real opportunities to players overlooked on draft weekend. Tollison's invitation to rookie minicamp is not merely a courtesy; it is a genuine evaluation opportunity. The team's front office, led by General Manager John Lynch, alongside the coaching staff, have demonstrated a prowess for identifying diamond-in-the-rough talent along the offensive line, and Tollison fits that profile well.
What the 49ers Are Looking For
Understanding why Tollison is receiving a look requires insight into the 49ers' current offensive line room. The team returns a firmly entrenched starting center--Jake Brendel--yet the depth behind him is far from settled. The backup center role is one of the most critical positions on the roster, especially for a team with championship aspirations. An injury to the starter could derail an entire season if the replacement is not ready to handle on-field calls, protections, and the physical demands of the position.
Tollison's tryout will be a multi-day evaluation. He will participate in individual drills, team periods, and--perhaps most importantly--demonstrate his ability to communicate effectively with the quarterbacks and guards around him. The 49ers' offensive coordinator, Klay Kubiak, will be observing closely, while Head Coach Kyle Shanahan will want to assess Tollison's composure and professionalism in a pro setting. The offensive line coach will scrutinize his footwork, hand placement, and ability to sustain blocks at the second level.
If Tollison impresses, he could be invited to training camp. Should he show further development, a spot on the practice squad would be a logical next step, where he could continue to hone his technique and understanding of the pro game. While the path to the active roster is narrow, undrafted free agents have made meaningful impacts for the 49ers before, and Tollison has the mindset to embrace the challenge.
The Undrafted Reality
The reality for undrafted players is admittedly daunting. NFL data indicates that only about 2% of undrafted rookies make the initial 53-man roster in their first season. However, this statistic understates the value of opportunities like rookie minicamps. Many players who do not make the final team end up on practice squads, and the fluid nature of NFL rosters--due to injuries, trades, and performance-based shuffling--creates openings continuously throughout a season.
Tollison's advantage lies in his specialization. Centers who can snap cleanly, diagnose defenses, and hold their ground in pass protection remain perennially in demand. The 49ers, like all NFL teams, are searching for players who can fulfill specific roles. Tollison does not need to become a star; he needs to be dependable, consistent, and ready to step up when called upon.
A Deeper Look at the Competition
While the 49ers' offensive line room is crowded with competitors, competition at backup center is open. Tollison will face other undrafted free agents, late-round picks, and veterans on short-term contracts. Every rep in the minicamp is a chance to differentiate himself. The coaching staff prioritizes consistency and intelligence at the center position over raw athleticism, which aligns well with Tollison's strengths.
Scheme fit is also critical. The 49ers run a variation of the outside zone-blocking scheme that demands agility from interior linemen, quickness to reach specific landmarks, and the ability to climb to the second level to block linebackers. While Tollison's film is not at an elite level in these areas, his competence and understanding of these concepts could earn him a longer look by the staff if he performs well in minicamp.
What's Next for Tollison and the 49ers
Rookie minicamp represents the first step in a rigorous process. For Tollison, it is a life-changing audition. For the 49ers, it is a low-risk investment in evaluating a player who could develop into a valuable depth piece or practice squad candidate. The organization's historical willingness to invest in undrafted linemen, combined with Tollison's regional ties, lends additional interest to this story.
As the 49ers continue to shape their 90-man roster for the upcoming season, every tryout counts. The difference between a good team and a great one often lies in the depth chart, in players ready to step in when starters inevitably go down. Connor Tollison may not be a household name today, but with a strong showing, he could become one of those under-the-radar stories fans recall when the season is on the line.
The NFL is a league of second chances and unexpected breakthroughs. For an undrafted center from Missouri with local roots, the 49ers' rookie minicamp offers exactly that--a chance to prove he belongs. In a city that embraces its underdogs, that makes for a story worth following.