Western Kentucky defensive back Upton Stout was among the most competitive players in attendance at this year’s Senior Bowl. Stout then carried that momentum over to the NFL Combine. The Hilltoppers standout leaped a 37.5-inch vertical and 10-foot-8 broad jump.
Stout recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network. Stout discussed his experiences in Mobile and Indianapolis, playing a versatile role, his outstanding ball production at WKU, and more.
JM: You participated in this year's Senior Bowl. It was a huge opportunity for you, coming from Western Kentucky. What do you feel you proved to scouts in attendance?
Upton Stout: I think I proved I could compete with anybody in the nation. It didn’t really matter who it was. It didn’t matter how big they were, or what program they came from. I lined up ready to play. I was ready to show off my compete level.
I was one of the top defensive backs at the Senior Bowl.
JM: You sure were, and you probably took more reps than any other DB in attendance. You never backed down. It was super, super impressive.
Upton Stout: I went out there with a chip on my shoulder. That has always been my mindset. It didn’t matter who lined up across from me. I proved I have a short-term memory. I don’t care if I lose once or twice. I’m going to line up again, and I’m always going to win more reps than I lose.
I was ready to prove that I could compete against anybody.
JM: I feel like you played a lot of nickel. You were so natural there. You played more safety and boundary corner up until this past season. The way this is trending, I think you might be the best nickel in this class. Your change of direction is outstanding.
Upton Stout: Teams see me playing everywhere. For sure I can be a great nickel at the next level. I’ve heard boundary corner, nickel, safety. I can play anything. I’m not really focusing on one position right now.
I’m focusing on playing every position on the back end so I can be a true swiss-army knife at the next level. I’m trying to learn every position for my NFL team.
JM: You have that versatility. You leaped outstanding jumps at the NFL Combine, a 37.5-inch vertical and a 10-foot-8 broad jump. You also ran a stellar 4.44. Were you satisfied with the overall performance?
Upton Stout: It was a blessing to be on that NFL Combine stage. Was I satisfied? Me being the type of defensive back I am, the type of person I am, I was hungry for more. I felt good, but I knew some of my times and results could have been a little better. I’m going to use my Pro Day to improve the numbers.
JM: You had six interceptions and 17 pass breakups in the past three seasons. Instincts are obviously a huge part of your game.
Upton Stout: I tip my hat to our coaching staff. They helped me play with great instincts. They got us right in the film room Monday to Friday. We were ready to go out there and execute the play calls on Saturday. Our defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach did a great job getting us prepared.
They put me in great positions. I was ready to make plays when my number got called. I always find a way to make a positive impact on the play.
JM: Did you have any formal interviews at the NFL Combine, and do you have any team visits coming up?
Upton Stout: I have a few visits. I have one with the Tennessee Titans. I’m visiting the Houston Texans as well. I have a few other visits on the schedule.
JM: There’s a lot of interest in you and it’s easy to see why. We've appreciated your time today. What kinda impact is Upton Stout going to have on an NFL defense next season?
Upton Stout: I’m going to make a huge impact. The way I approach the game is going to allow me to make an immediate impact. I’m going to spend every day preparing for our next game. That’s my mentality.
I’m going to be one of the best in the league when it comes to my preparation. I’m willing to put the time in and watch the film. That’s how I plan on carrying myself inside the facility. I want to be a winner. I want to be around other winners.
I’m going to give off energy and feed off everybody else’s energy. I know I can make plays. I know that. I just want to learn and soak up knowledge from the veterans. We’ll see how far my game can go.
You’re going to get the best version of Upton Stout in that building.
