
SANTA CLARA – The highest draft pick in the history of the Samford University football program is slated to make his first NFL start on Sunday.
Rookie strong safety Jaquiski Tartt was called upon last week in the second half against the Seattle Seahawks when 49ers veteran Antoine Bethea sustained a season-ending torn pectoral muscle. Tartt is listed atop the depth chart as the 49ers head into Sunday’s game against the St. Louis Rams.
“I feel like it’s the same,” Tartt said of the dramatic transition from small-college football to the NFL. “I adjusted to the game speed in the preseason. I feel like it’s the same, but the speed is different.”
Stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Bay Area and California sports teams! Sign up here for our All Access Daily newsletter.
Third-year safety Eric Reid figures to have a much more vocal and active role in the team’s defense without Bethea lining up alongside him in the 49ers’ defensive backfield.
“Just more responsibility, making sure the secondary and the linebackers are on the same page, as far as the coverages are concerned,” Reid said. “He’s a younger guy but still confident he can make the calls, but just have to take a little more responsibility.
[MAIOCCO: Captain Reid: At 2-5, 49ers don't need to overreact]
“He knows the calls, but we look at each other to make sure everybody is on the same page. And we just play football.”
San Francisco 49ers
Find the latest San Francisco 49ers news, highlights, analysis and more with NBC Sports Bay Area and California.
Tartt became the third high draft pick the 49ers used on a safety in three years. He has already leaped over his high school teammate, Jimmie Ward, to gain the starting position. Ward was a first-round draft pick in 2014.
Tartt has distinguished himself with his ability to play both safety positions, as well as a linebacker spot when the 49ers go with six defensive backs.
“He definitely hits hard,” Reid said. “He can cover. He has all the things you need to play the position. He’s showing it. He had a tackle for a loss against Marshawn Lynch, which might be the hardest tackle to make in the league against that guy. He shows he has what it takes to play in this league.”