Another Breakout DB is on the Way
A Stout Addition to the Secondary
If one player at training camp for the San Francisco 49ers whose stock has soared since the team reported on July 22nd, that player would arguably have to be Upton Stout. The rookie cornerback out of Western Kentucky has made quite the name for himself in a short amount of time, drawing the attention and praise of his coaches, teammates, the media, and even a future Hall of Famer. As sure as you can expect the sun to rise in the east and set in the west, you can expect a daily highlight from Stout during training camp.
Reports out of camp have been glowing for Stout, as he has made several big plays in practice against the starting offense, but it is not just the plays on the field that have been noticed. Stout has been putting in the work in the offseason and in the film room to give himself every opportunity to be the opening day starter at nickel corner when the 49ers take the field against the Seattle Seahawks.
When Stout was selected in the third round of this year's draft, 100th overall, he immediately endeared himself to the Faithful when the video of his call from General Manager John Lynch went viral, showcasing his enthusiasm that has been on display throughout training camp.
“He’s made of the right stuff. He’s doing everything he can on and off the field and that’s why he’s passing guys up.” - Head Coach Kyle Shanahan
Stout was tasked by the coaching staff to watch film of a former 49er nickel corner they felt was comparable to his play style in K’waun Williams. The similarities are clear: undersized and physical, unafraid of contact, sticky in coverage, and more than willing to help out in run support. Not only has Stout spent time in the film room watching Williams’ tape, he has reached out to Williams and built a relationship with him to pick his brain and see the 49ers defense through his eyes.
Through training camp so far, Stout’s preparation is paying off. Daily reports of his play-making against the best the offense has to offer are encouraging, as well as supported by All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner, telling KNBR, “Right now the guy sticking out the most is Upton Stout. Probably the smallest dawg in the fight, with the biggest dawg in here” as Warner taps his heart. “I love watching Upton and the way he competes at the nickel position. The guy has it.”
Standing only 5’ 8” tall and 181 pounds, Stout may be the smallest in frame on the practice fields in Santa Clara, but he plays much larger and with a fearless mindset. Whether it’s defending passes in coverage against the likes of Ricky Pearsall and Christian McCaffrey, running exotic blitzes and getting home, or taking on Spencer Burford to set the edge against the run, Stout is building quite the resume in his first training camp.
Stout’s play also caught the attention of former 49er cornerback Richard Sherman. After spending a day visiting 49ers camp, the future Hall of Famer was equally impressed with Stout’s performance, stating that he felt the 49ers found a gem on his X account when asked about Stout, while describing his play as aggressive, sound, and scrappy. As he continues to stand out in camp, it is clear that Stout is determined to be a contributor on defense this season, playing inside alongside starting corners Deommodore Lenoir and Renardo Green. The future is looking very bright for the kid from Western Kentucky. and if his play this season matches what we have seen in training camp so far, the 49ers ability to hit on mid-round draft picks may have just found the next big-time player.