Last year, Isaac Sopoaga was called Chief Warrior by his 49ers teammates. This year, the former University of Hawaii star has a new monicker.

"Isaac's The Beast," 49ers nose tackle Aubrayo Franklin said. "Just look at that big strong guy we have out there. He's 330-plus pounds and he can move like he's 300 pounds."

Sopoaga, who shared time with Franklin last year at nose tackle while rotating along the line in San Francisco's 3-4 defensive scheme, has been moved outside this season to left end. He's now starting at a position occupied last year by Bryant Young, who retired during the offseason.

It's some big shoes to fill, but the 6-foot-2, 330-pound Sopoaga, who is known for his prodigious strength, already has some of the team's biggest.

Sopoaga, a natural nose tackle, has settled comfortably into his new position this summer and has become an anchor along San Francisco's defensive line. It's what the 49ers need Sopoaga to do after giving the potential free agent a five-year deal worth $20 million during the offseason.

After missing his rookie year with a back injury and developing slowly during his first three NFL seasons, Sopoaga came on strong last season as he gained consistency both in the system and with his technique. He started five games and with 58 tackles more than doubled his combined total from the previous two seasons.

That has changed both the outlook and approach for Sopoaga, who used to earn $20 a week working back in his homeland of American Samoa.

"Look at me," Sopoaga said Wednesday. "I'm happy, smiling, comfortable and excited. Every morning when I wake up I still can't believe that I have been given this big opportunity. I'm working hard every day to do my job exactly right. I'm going to be smart, attack the line and I will destroy."