Upton Stout III, a 5-foot-8½, 181-pound cornerback from Houston, Texas, has defied the odds to become a promising rookie for the San Francisco 49ers. Selected in the third round (100th overall) of the 2025 NFL Draft, Stout’s journey from Western Kentucky University to the NFL is a testament to his unrelenting determination, fierce work ethic, and passion for football. Despite his undersized frame, Stout’s competitive fire, physicality, and versatility have positioned him as a potential impact player in the 49ers’ secondary, particularly at the nickel position.
Early Years and Overcoming Obstacles
Born on January 9, 2002, Stout grew up in Houston and starred at North Shore Senior High School, where he helped lead his team to Texas 6A-1 state championships in 2018 and 2019. As a three-star recruit, his talent was evident, but his smaller stature deterred Power 5 programs from offering scholarships. Undeterred, Stout committed to the University of North Texas, where he began his college career in 2020. As a freshman, he earned a starting role midseason, recording 35 tackles, including 11 in his first start, across eight games. However, after a limited 2021 season with only six tackles in four games, Stout redshirted and entered the NCAA transfer portal, seeking a better opportunity to showcase his skills.
His transfer options were initially slim, with Montana State as a top contender until Western Kentucky University (WKU) expressed interest. Joining the Hilltoppers in 2022, Stout found a program that embraced his tenacity. In his WKU debut, he intercepted a pass and returned it for a touchdown, setting the tone for a breakout season. Starting 11 games, he tallied 44 tackles and led the team with four interceptions, earning Conference USA Honorable Mention honors. Despite missing five games due to a shoulder injury in 2023, he still managed 29 tackles, eight pass breakups, and another pick-six. After briefly entering the transfer portal again, Stout made a pivotal decision to return to WKU for 2024, turning down a lucrative Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) offer from Michigan. “My people always told me, ‘If you’re moving for the money, you’re not moving for the right things,’” Stout said, prioritizing long-term development over short-term financial gain.
In his final college season, Stout transitioned to the nickel position, a move that elevated his draft stock. He recorded a career-high 52 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, a sack, and an interception, earning first-team All-Conference USA honors. His performance at the Senior Bowl and NFL Scouting Combine—where he led all defensive backs with 21 bench-press reps of 225 pounds and ran a 4.44-second 40-yard dash—further solidified his reputation as a “twitchy” athlete with exceptional strength and quickness.
A “Dawg” Mentality and Work Ethic
Stout’s rise is defined by his relentless work ethic and competitive spirit, traits that shone through both on and off the field. At WKU, he trained with offensive and defensive linemen rather than defensive backs, pushing his physical limits to compensate for his size. “I wasn’t always the biggest person,” Stout said. “So if I wasn’t going to be the biggest, I was for sure at least going to be one of the strongest.” His 21 bench-press reps matched those of 324-pound Alabama guard Tyler Booker, the No. 12 overall pick, highlighting his extraordinary strength relative to his frame.
His college coaches, including WKU head coach Tyson Helton and defensive backs coach Da’Von Brown, praised his passion but noted his intensity could be challenging. “We’re doing turnover drills and it wasn’t just punching at the ball—he was trying to break somebody’s wrist,” Brown said, describing Stout’s ferocity. Helton recalled Stout’s frustration during his 2023 injury recovery, which tested the training staff, but emphasized that his aggression stemmed from a deep love for the game. “He loved the game and that pissed him off” when teammates didn’t match his commitment. Stout’s vocal leadership and blunt feedback pushed teammates to elevate their effort, even if it ruffled feathers. “He’s always going to tell you how he feels,” Brown noted, recalling Stout’s expectation that coaches be ready to work as hard as he did, even at 6 a.m. practices.
This “heart of a lion” mentality, as described by 49ers area scout Warren Ball, resonated with San Francisco’s front office. General manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan, known for valuing players who “bleed football,” saw Stout’s competitive edge as a perfect fit for their defensive scheme, which emphasizes “all gas, no brakes” and “extreme violence” under defensive coordinator Robert Saleh. Stout’s draft-night phone call with the 49ers, where he repeatedly shouted “Let’s do it!” and called himself a “dawg,” underscored his infectious enthusiasm.
Fitting into the 49ers’ Secondary
The 49ers, coming off a 6-11 season in 2024, prioritized defensive reinforcements in the 2025 draft, selecting Stout as part of a defensive-heavy class. His skill set—quick acceleration, fluid hip movement, and aggressive tackling—makes him an ideal candidate for the nickel cornerback role, where he can blitz, cover slot receivers, and support the run game. At WKU, Stout studied 49ers cornerbacks Deommodore Lenoir and Renardo Green, particularly Lenoir’s slot play, which helped him adapt to the nickel position. “I watched a lot of their defense last year while I was at WKU,” Stout said, noting how San Francisco’s scheme aligned with his strengths.
At rookie minicamp in May 2025, Stout stood out for his confidence and physicality. Despite being one of the shortest players in the draft, “there’s nothing frail about him,” wrote Matt Barrows of The Athletic. His 90.9 run defense grade in his first year at slot corner, per NFL_DF, and praise from draft analyst Todd McShay for giving up minimal separation in coverage, signal his potential as a “glue” defender. Stout is likely to compete with Lenoir for the starting nickel role, though Lenoir’s versatility allows the 49ers to deploy him outside, potentially opening the slot for Stout. His special teams experience, including punt and kick returns, further enhances his value as a rookie.
Challenges and Future Outlook
While Stout’s athleticism and mentality are undeniable, his size may limit him against taller NFL receivers, particularly in man coverage. Analysts project his best fit as a nickel corner in zone-heavy schemes, where his quick processing and tackling ability shine. The 49ers’ decision to draft him over taller cornerbacks like East Carolina’s Shavon Revel raised eyebrows, but their confidence in Stout reflects their belief in his ability to start early. “I have a chip on my shoulder from always hearing somebody tell me what I couldn’t do,” Stout said, a mindset that continues to fuel his drive.
Stout’s journey from an overlooked high school recruit to a top-100 NFL draft pick embodies his refusal to be defined by physical limitations. His decision to stay at WKU, build trust with coaches, and dominate at the nickel position showcased a strategic approach to his career. As he steps into the NFL, Stout’s determination, work ethic, and “dawg” mentality position him to make an immediate impact, whether locking down the slot, blitzing off the edge, or contributing on special teams. For a 49ers team aiming to reclaim NFC West dominance, Upton Stout represents a small but mighty addition with the potential to reshape their secondary.
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