San Francisco 49ers tight end Vernon Davis indicated that he hopes to become more involved in the team's offense next season, according to The Sacramento Bee.

The two-time Pro Bowl player told reporters after practice that with new tight end coach Tony Sparano, he felt like playing the position again with his original mentor, Pete Hoener.

Like Us on Facebook

Hoener was the tight end instructor when Davis was still a rookie. Now a nine-year veteran, he remembers how a "stickler" Hoener was and is more appreciative of it. He actually said that Sparano's style reminded him of Hoener's.

"Tony Sparano - he's really, really similar to Pete Hoener," Davis said. "No-nonsense, tough. It's all about helping you get better. They just want to see you get better, and that's what I love about Sparano. He's a good coach, a great coach."

The former Maryland standout is coming off the worst season of his career. He went from an 850-yard and 13-touchdown season in 2013 to a 245-yard, 2-TD year in 2014 despite playing only a game less than the year before.

Davis was eager to contribute more this year after the team's recent coaching shuffle. Sparano replaces Eric Mangini, who is now defensive coordinator. Jim Tomsula takes over from Jim Harbaugh as head coach. Geep Chryst is now offensive coordinator when Greg Roman left for the Buffalo Bills.

Chryst had been a tight end coach before, as per CBS Sports, and because of that Davis is expecting to have a bigger role in the offense and get back to his former game come September.

Bleacher Report's Phil G noted that if the 49ers wants to revert to their old winning ways in the NFC, then maximizing Davis in their offense is highly essential. While 2014 had been a disappointing offensive year for the 8-8 team, this year could be better with a new system.

Right now, the only concern about Davis is his health. He had been injury prone last season, and most of troubled his back. As a tight end, back injuries have limited his speed, which had been his main strength, and so limited his touches as well.

This is something Davis and the 49ers would have to manage if they want to go back to the playoffs this coming season. 

TagsNFL, NFL 2015, NFL news, NFL News 2015, NFL rumors, NFL Rumors 2015, San Francisco 49ers, Vernon Davis