The San Francisco 49ers have their defensive coordinator back.
After five seasons away, Robert Saleh returned this offseason to fix the defense that has suffered since his departure.
And while Saleh has shown a knack for developing linebackers in San Francisco, his next future star might already be on the roster.
While undrafted free agent Stone Blanton might not be a future Hall of Famer or even a multiple-time Pro Bowler, he could fit right in to what Saleh has in mind for his return to San Francisco.
Linebacker's coach Johnny Holland was impressed with Blanton in college, and will be helping Saleh develop him as he turns pro.
"I saw ball production in college. I saw a violent player who could play multiple positions," Holland said via Niners Nation. "He’s been everything we look for here. He’s getting better and better. He takes coaching very well. He corrects stuff the next time he’s up. We’re excited for him. He’s going to be a good asset for us."
Across three seasons of college ball, split between two years at South Carolina and one at Mississippi State, Blanton posted 184 total tackles with 66 solo and seven for loss. He added 1.5 sacks, an interception, a fumble recovery and three forced fumbles in 36 games played.
In Week 13 of last season, Balton posted a career-high 18 tackles against Missouri.
Blanton has an uphill battle, already playing behind names like Dee Winters, Tatum Bethune, Curtis Robinson and rookie Nick Martin. But if the 49ers' long-term plan for Blanton works, we could see him playing regularly on Sunday, and become a key part of the defense.
