Hayne has fans buzzing

49er’s breakout game, goal-line stand help offset negatives

SANTA CLARA — Not many exhibition games can deliver the buzz the 49ers provided in Houston, even in a 2310 defeat.

There was a breakout rookie, Jarryd Hayne, who created Twitter buzz across America and back to his native Australia. Before Hayne’s entrance, the 49ers got a phenomenal goal-line stand courtesy of their rebuilt defense, which was needed after a poor opening series. Offensively, there were enough encouraging signs to offset the fact they scored only one touchdown.

Best of all, entrenched starters survived their cameos Saturday night, if they played at all, and there was only one reported injury, to backup linebacker Desmond Bishop (calf).

HELPED THEMSELVES

JARRYD HAYNE: Racing 53 yards past great blocks and ridiculed defenders made this former Australian rugby-league star a bona fide contender for a roster spot at running back. As expected, he looked natural on punt and kickoff returns. Not only is all of Australia mesmerized by his career change, so are his teammates and 49ers fans.

BLAINE GABBERT: Maybe Jim Tomsula is right, maybe No. 2 quarterback Gabbert is a “beautiful piece” in the 49ers’ building project. His first two drives produced the 49ers’ only points, and he was 8 of 11 for 86 yards and a touchdown.

MIKE PURCELL: His contributions to the goal-line stand were outstanding, including a tackle for a 3-yard loss. As deep as the defensive line is, it may have to make room for Purcell, a nose tackle who spent the past two seasons on the practice squad.

HURT THEM SELVES

SHAYNE SKOV: Given the start at inside linebacker, Skov often got sealed on blocks as the Texans ran past him, and he drew a personal-foul penalty. That said, he did make a tackle for loss and contributed to a goal-line stand.

TRENT BROWN: The 355-pound rookie offensive tackle yielded the sack that resulted in a safety. It wasn’t the debut that will help Brown push Erik Pears for the starting spot at right tackle.

MARCUS

CROMARTIE: Allowing a touchdown catch is no way to enhance your prospects on a unit brimming with other young cornerbacks.

WORTH WATCHING

GARRETT CELEK: This fourth-year veteran has major competition among tight ends, and he

responded with not only a touchdown catch but also decent blocking on Hayne’s big run. Possible trade bait?

JAQUISKI TARTT: A 221-pound safety, this year’s second-round draft pick showed he indeed could become a secret weapon in specialized packages, with his nose for the ball and physicality.

L.J. McCRAY: Another big safety, he lowered his shoulder to produce the game’s hardest hit, and he also led the 49ers with two tackles on special teams, which is where he could become a mainstay.