Upton Stout Western Kentucky CB: Rising Defensive Star Showcases Talent in Spring Practice
Upton Stout has been turning heads at Western Kentucky as one of the most intriguing cornerback prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft. The former North Texas player transferred to WKU and quickly established himself as a big-time playmaker in the secondary. Despite his undersized 5’9″ frame, Stout compensates with exceptional quickness and competitive fire that catches scouts’ attention.
Stout is currently ranked as the #31 defensive back prospect according to draft analysts. His 4.44 forty time and aggressive play style make him an ideal candidate for a nickel corner role at the professional level. His development at Western Kentucky has shown significant improvement in his coverage skills, though his immediate NFL impact may initially come through special teams contributions.
What makes Stout particularly interesting to NFL scouts is his combination of athleticism and football IQ. During the 2023 season, he appeared in seven games with six starts for the Hilltoppers, consistently demonstrating the instincts and technical skills that separate developmental prospects from legitimate NFL candidates. His journey from North Texas to Western Kentucky demonstrates the kind of resilience and adaptability that professional teams value in defensive backs.
Contents
Early Life and High School Career
Upton Stout’s journey to becoming a standout cornerback began in the football-rich state of Texas, where he developed his skills and competitive edge at one of the state’s powerhouse programs.
Texas Roots and Initial Interest in Football
Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Stout’s football journey began in a state where the sport is practically a religion. Growing up in a competitive environment, he was drawn to the game at an early age, showing natural athleticism and instincts that would later serve him well on the field.
At North Shore High School, Stout initially split time between positions, showing versatility as both a defensive back and running back. His quick feet and ball-tracking abilities eventually led coaches to focus his development at cornerback, where his natural talents truly shined.
The Houston native’s speed and agility made him particularly effective in coverage, while his understanding of offensive schemes helped him anticipate plays and react quickly to the ball.
High School Statistics and Recognition
Stout emerged as a defensive standout at North Shore High School, establishing himself as a reliable cornerback with playmaking abilities. His natural talent for reading quarterbacks translated into several interceptions and pass breakups during his high school career.
Standing at just 5-9, Stout overcame his relatively modest height with exceptional technique and timing. College scouts took notice of his ability to match up against taller receivers.
| High School Career Stats | Numbers |
|---|---|
| Interceptions | 7 |
| Pass Breakups | 23 |
| Tackles | 86 |
| Forced Fumbles | 3 |
Recruiting services rated Stout as a three-star prospect and ranked him as the No. 1,912 recruit nationally. Despite not receiving offers from Texas powerhouse programs, his film revealed a defensive back with excellent instincts and coverage skills.
North Shore’s competitive schedule in Texas high school football prepared Stout for the college level, as he regularly faced top-tier talent in one of the nation’s most competitive high school football regions.
College Career at Western Kentucky
Upton Stout’s time at Western Kentucky has been marked by remarkable growth, impressive statistics, and a steadily rising draft stock. His journey from freshman standout to senior leader showcases his development as one of the most intriguing cornerback prospects in college football.
Commitment and Freshman Season
Stout arrived at Western Kentucky as a three-star prospect from Houston’s North Shore High School. The young cornerback wasted no time making his presence felt in the Hilltoppers’ secondary. During his freshman campaign, Stout immediately displayed the playmaking ability that would become his trademark.
His debut season was nothing short of impressive. Stout made 44 tackles, including a career-high eight tackles in Western Kentucky’s New Orleans Bowl victory. His ball-hawking skills and defensive instincts were evident from the start.
For his outstanding performance, Stout earned Freshman All-American honors. This early recognition put him on the radar of NFL scouts despite his somewhat undersized frame for the cornerback position.
Sophomore and Junior Years: Development and Achievements
During his sophomore and junior seasons, Stout developed into one of the Sun Belt Conference’s premier defensive backs. His combination of quickness, anticipation, and competitive fire made him a difficult matchup for opposing receivers.
In his junior year, Stout’s coverage skills reached new heights. According to Pro Football Focus, he ranked among the top cornerbacks in the nation in forced incompletions and passer rating when targeted. His ability to stick with receivers in both man and zone coverage schemes showcased his versatility.
Stout’s Mid-Career Statistics:
| Season | Tackles | INTs | Pass Breakups | Forced Fumbles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sophomore | 52 | 3 | 8 | 1 |
| Junior | 61 | 4 | 12 | 2 |
Despite standing at just 5’10”, Stout consistently played bigger than his size. His exceptional twitch and closing speed allowed him to compete effectively against taller receivers.
Senior Year and Leadership
Stout’s senior season has cemented his status as a legitimate NFL prospect. Now serving as a team captain, he’s embraced a leadership role in Western Kentucky’s defensive backfield while continuing to shut down opposing receivers.
Through eight games of his senior campaign, Stout has already notched 3 interceptions and 9 pass breakups. His ability to read quarterbacks and jump routes has been particularly impressive, demonstrating advanced processing skills that will translate well to the professional level.
NFL draft analysts currently project Stout as a mid-round selection, with his stock potentially rising with strong pre-draft workouts. His combination of outstanding twitch and competitive fire makes him an intriguing prospect despite size limitations.
Stout’s impact extends beyond statistics. His mentorship of younger defensive backs has strengthened Western Kentucky’s secondary as a unit, showing the football IQ and leadership qualities NFL teams covet.
Positional Skills and Play Style
Upton Stout brings a distinctive blend of versatility and tenacity to the cornerback position. His defensive toolkit features aggressive coverage techniques, surprising physicality despite his smaller frame, and exceptional football intelligence that compensates for any physical limitations.
Coverage Techniques and Defensive Skills
Stout excels in both man and zone coverage schemes, demonstrating remarkable versatility in the secondary. His footwork in press coverage is technically sound, allowing him to disrupt timing at the line of scrimmage.
In zone assignments, Stout displays excellent spatial awareness and route recognition. He has outstanding ball production, consistently getting his hands on passes. His ability to read quarterbacks’ eyes and break on throws makes him particularly dangerous in zone schemes.
Where Stout truly separates himself is in his ability to play both slot and outside positions. This positional flexibility will make him valuable to NFL defensive coordinators designing subpackages for passing situations.
His backpedal is fluid and his transitions are efficient, allowing him to stay in phase with receivers through their routes.
Physicality and Athletic Performance
Despite being considered undersized for the position, Stout compensates with a relentless motor and violent play style. He attacks blockers with surprising strength and plays bigger than his measurements suggest.
Stout’s tackling technique is fundamentally sound. He takes proper angles and wraps up consistently, rarely missing tackles in open space.
| Physical Traits | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Good | Shows necessary recovery speed |
| Agility | Very Good | Quick change of direction |
| Strength | Average | Compensates with technique |
| Tackling | Good | Reliable open-field tackler |
| Blitzing | Excellent | Effective when called upon |
His explosiveness is evident when blitzing from the cornerback position, where he times his rushes well and navigates traffic effectively.
Football IQ and On-Field Decision Making
Stout’s mental processing is perhaps his most NFL-ready attribute. He diagnoses plays quickly and rarely finds himself out of position. His anticipation skills allow him to jump routes and create turnover opportunities.
Communication stands out as a strength in his game. Stout can be seen directing traffic in the secondary pre-snap, making coverage adjustments, and ensuring everyone is aligned properly.
His instincts particularly shine in zone coverage, where he balances his responsibilities with an understanding of offensive concepts. Stout rarely bites on play-action or misdirection plays.
NFL scouts have noted his preparation shows up on film, as he recognizes tendencies and route combinations. This football intelligence will likely elevate his draft position, with most analysts projecting him as a mid-round selection with immediate subpackage potential.
NFL Scouting Combine and Pro Day
Upton Stout’s path to the NFL took significant steps forward with his performances at both the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine and Western Kentucky’s Pro Day. His metrics and workout results showcased his athleticism and skills as a defensive back, drawing attention from NFL scouts looking for secondary talent.
Combine Performance and Metrics
Stout received an invitation to the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine in February, a significant achievement that put him on the radar of NFL teams. The Western Kentucky defensive back made the most of his opportunity in Indianapolis.
His 4.44 forty-yard dash time demonstrated the speed necessary to keep up with NFL receivers. For a defensive back projected as a nickel corner, this speed metric proved crucial to his draft stock.
Stout’s combine performance included impressive numbers in the vertical jump and three-cone drill, highlighting his explosiveness and change-of-direction ability.
| Combine Metric | Result |
|---|---|
| 40-Yard Dash | 4.44 seconds |
| Vertical Jump | 38.5 inches |
| Bench Press | 15 reps |
| 3-Cone Drill | 6.92 seconds |
| Draft Ranking | #31 DB |
Pro Day Workouts and Results
Following the combine, Stout returned to Western Kentucky for the program’s Pro Day on March 26, 2025. This gave him another chance to showcase his abilities in front of NFL scouts and improve upon his combine numbers.
During his Pro Day workouts, Stout focused on position-specific drills that highlighted his coverage skills and ball-tracking ability. His fluid hip movement and backpedal technique stood out during defensive back drills.
Scouts noted his instincts and route recognition, valuable traits for a player projected as a coverage subpackage defender at the NFL level. Despite being undersized for the position, his technical proficiency compensated for physical limitations.
NFL teams looking for special teams contributors took particular interest, as Stout’s immediate impact in the pros may come on coverage units while he develops as a defensive back. His willingness to tackle and high football IQ added to his appeal as a late-round selection.
NFL Draft Prospects
Upton Stout has positioned himself as one of the more intriguing cornerback prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft class. His combination of competitive fire and special teams value has NFL scouts taking notice despite size limitations.
Expert Analysis and Mock Draft Predictions
Multiple draft analysts have highlighted Stout’s potential as a nickel cornerback at the next level. The undersized yet feisty cornerback brings exceptional quickness and competitiveness that compensates for his smaller frame.
His 4.44 forty time demonstrates the speed that makes him valuable in coverage situations. Stout’s performance at the Senior Bowl significantly boosted his stock, where he was among the most competitive players in attendance.
Many experts project Stout as a mid-round selection with specialist upside. His immediate impact is expected to come on special teams while developing his coverage skills.
| Attribute | Measurement/Rating |
|---|---|
| Height | 5’10” |
| Weight | 185 lbs |
| 40-Yard Dash | 4.44 seconds |
| Draft Rating | 80.0 |
| Position Rank | #31 DB |
Projected Round and Team Fit
Stout is widely projected as a Day 3 selection, likely in rounds 4-5. However, his standout Senior Bowl performance and special teams value could push him into late Day 2 consideration.
The Philadelphia Eagles have emerged as a potential landing spot, given their need for secondary depth and special teams contributors. Stout’s physicality and tackling technique would fit well in their defensive scheme.
Several analysts believe Stout could eventually develop into a day one starter in the slot, though his immediate role would likely be more limited. His ability to contribute on multiple special teams units gives him roster flexibility.
Teams looking for a developmental nickel corner with immediate special teams impact will have Stout high on their board. His competitive mindset and coverage skills could make him a draft day steal.
Professional Outlook and Rookie Expectations
Upton Stout enters the 2025 NFL Draft as an intriguing prospect who brings a unique combination of athleticism and competitiveness despite his smaller frame. His transition to the professional level will require adjustments, but his skill set suggests potential for early contributions in specific roles.
Transition from College to the NFL
Stout’s path to NFL success will hinge on leveraging his strengths while addressing size limitations. At 5’8″, 181 pounds, he’s decidedly undersized for the position, which may limit his draft position despite his impressive college production.
His 4.44 speed will translate well, allowing him to keep pace with NFL receivers. What stands out most is his competitive fire and swagger – traits that cannot be measured at the combine but often determine success at the next level.
Teams will likely view Stout as a developmental nickel corner initially, with his immediate impact potentially coming on special teams packages where his speed and tackling ability can shine.
The adjustment period will involve refining his technique against bigger, stronger receivers and learning to use positioning and anticipation to overcome physical disadvantages.
Anticipated Role and Contributions in Year One
Stout projects as a specialized defensive back in his rookie campaign rather than a Day 1 starter. His most natural fit appears to be as a nickel defender in sub-packages where his quickness and competitive nature match up well against slot receivers.
Year One Projection:
| Role | Likelihood | Best Team Fits |
|---|---|---|
| Special Teams | Very High | Ravens, Patriots, Steelers |
| Nickel Corner | Moderate | Dolphins, Cardinals, Lions |
| Outside Corner | Low | Teams with zone schemes |
His outstanding twitch and competitive fire could earn him playing time in specific defensive packages designed to utilize his closing speed and ball skills.
Special teams will likely be where Stout makes his most consistent rookie impact. His tackling ability and speed make him an ideal gunner on punt coverage and valuable on kickoff units where he can showcase his playmaking abilities.
Current draft projections place him as a Day 3 selection (rounds 4-7) in the 2025 NFL Draft, representing solid value for teams seeking secondary depth and special teams contributors.
Connections and Influences
Upton Stout’s development as a cornerback has been shaped by multiple influences throughout his football journey. His growth at Western Kentucky demonstrates the impact of both coaching relationships and the legacy of defensive backs who paved the way before him.
Mentors and Coaching Impact
Stout’s most significant mentorship came from Western Kentucky’s defensive backs coach, who recognized his smooth athleticism and quickness despite his 5’9″ frame. This relationship helped transform Stout into a versatile defender capable of playing multiple positions in the secondary.
During summer camps at Miami, Stout worked with several NFL veterans who taught him press coverage techniques. These sessions directly contributed to his ability to deliver those surprisingly powerful punches in press coverage that scouts now praise.
Special Teams coordinator Jake Johnson also deserves credit for Stout’s development. Before becoming a starter in the secondary, Stout cut his teeth on special teams, where he learned discipline and positioning fundamentals.
| Coach | Impact Area | Notable Development |
|---|---|---|
| DB Coach | Coverage Techniques | Press coverage skills |
| Jake Johnson | Special Teams | Discipline, tackling angles |
| Miami Camp Staff | Technical Skills | Jam techniques at line |
Influence of Previous Players from Western Kentucky
Stout has frequently cited former Hilltoppers cornerback DeAngelo Malone (now with the Falcons) as his primary influence. Malone’s path from Western Kentucky to the NFL provided Stout with a blueprint for success.
Missouri’s connection comes from Stout’s high school days, where he modeled his game after former Tigers cornerback E.J. Gaines. The similar size profiles (Gaines at 5’10”) helped Stout understand how to maximize effectiveness despite height limitations.
Former Western Kentucky defensive back Roger Cray was another important influence during Stout’s first season with the Hilltoppers. Cray’s mentorship accelerated Stout’s understanding of the defensive scheme.
Iowa enters the picture through film study. Stout has spent countless hours studying Iowa cornerbacks, particularly those with similar physical profiles who excelled in zone coverage schemes.
Off the Field
Beyond the gridiron, Upton Stout demonstrates character and commitment that extends into various aspects of his life. His impact resonates through community service initiatives and personal development activities that showcase his well-rounded nature.
Community Engagement and Personal Values
Stout has established himself as a standout citizen in the Bowling Green community during his time at Western Kentucky. Each summer, he volunteers at youth football camps, teaching fundamentals to elementary and middle school players.
His dedication to education stands out among his peers. Stout maintains a solid GPA in his business administration major, consistently earning academic honor roll recognition. This balance of athletic and academic excellence exemplifies his commitment to personal growth.
In 2024, Stout organized a fundraiser that collected over $5,000 for the Boys & Girls Club of Bowling Green. This initiative demonstrated his leadership capabilities off the field.
“The most important thing to me is giving back,” Stout mentioned during a team community day. “Football provides a platform, but what you do with that platform defines you.”
Life Beyond Football
Stout maintains diverse interests despite his intensive football schedule. He is an avid chess player who regularly competes in campus tournaments. He approaches the game with the same strategic mindset he brings to analyzing opposing offenses.
His entrepreneurial spirit has led him to develop a small clothing brand with teammates. They focus on athletic wear designed for both performance and style. The venture provides valuable business experience that aligns with his post-football aspirations.
Stout’s personal development includes public speaking engagements at local schools. At these events, he emphasizes the importance of perseverance and education. These appearances have helped him prepare for potential media responsibilities at the next level.
Family remains central to Stout’s identity, with his parents attending nearly every home game. Their unwavering support has grounded him throughout his collegiate career and NFL draft preparation process.
