The San Francisco 49ers made significant changes to their roster and coaching staff this offseason, meaning they would have to rely on newer, younger players in key roles all over their roster but specifically on the defensive side of the ball.
Cornerback Upton Stout has been one of those young players tasked with an important job through the first nine weeks of this year. The 23-year-old joined the 49ers as a third-round pick (No. 100 overall) in this year’s NFL draft after a collegiate career split between North Texas and Western Kentucky.
Stout has appeared in eight games so far this season, playing 64% of the team’s defensive snaps and has recorded 40 tackles (three for a loss), two passes defensed and a sack.
On Wednesday, 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan was asked what he’s seen from Stout so far through his rookie season, and Shanahan was effusive in his praise.
“I love the way Upton Stout plays,” Shanahan said. ‘I think he’s a rookie out there who plays the right way, who’s going to be a really good starter in this league for a while. As always, you’ve got to go through some ups and downs when you just throw guys in the fire like we have with him. But, he never shies away. He always plays physical, plays to me with probably the least hesitation on our defense, just with how hard he reacts, how hard he runs to the ball, and I truly believe he’s made it the right stuff. I think this year’s really good for him and he’s going to be a good player for us.”
With all of the injuries to Robert Saleh’s defense, Stout’s play has been crucial for them to build a 6-3 record. This week, against the Los Angeles Rams, he’ll play a huge part in trying to shut down the dynamic duo of Puka Nacua and Davante Adams. If he can do that, it’ll be another strong point for him early on.
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This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: Kyle Shanahan says he loves the way 49ers’ rookie defender plays
Reporting by Mike Masala, Niners Wire / Niners Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
