San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh has revealed he has seen a "vast improvement" in running back LaMichael James during training camp.

The former Oregon man was used sparingly last season by the 49ers during their run to the Super Bowl, but Harbaugh admits that he may be used more frequently in the upcoming campaign.

"Great improvement. Vast improvement from one year to the next," Harbaugh told reporters.

"You talk about it, and you say that usually players from the end of their first year to the start of their second year have the chance to make the greatest amount of gains that they'll ever have in their career.

"Just like college players who are freshman that go from their freshman year to their sophomore year. LaMichael's a real, living example, current example of that. And it's noticeable in all areas."

The 49ers begin their pre-season campaign against the Denver Broncos next week.