Update: Former Washington defensive lineman Sebastian Valdez did not make the San Francisco 49ers’ 53-man roster. He was waived by he club yesterday. If he’s not claimed off of the waiver wire by another team it’s likely that he’ll be resigned by the 49ers for the practice squad.
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Former Washington Husky defensive lineman Sebastian Valdez has taken an improbable journey to the NFL. While his name literally means “Revered Valley Dweller”, at 6-4 and 305 pounds, his 49er teammates simply call him “The Hulk”.
However, coming out of Spring Valley in the San Diego-area, he didn’t have the bulk to be a defensive lineman. He was a 6-3, 230 pound full back, defensive end. He was not revered by college football scouts who gave him zero stars and his only offer was Montana State.
“He was even less heralded than former Washington walk-on Edefuan Ulofoshio who was something like the equivalent of a 2-star. But for Sebastian, like Eddie when he chose UW, Sebastian chose a place that suited his style of play,” said RealDawg.com’s Trevor Mueller.
He’s changed a lot since his high school senior season. He’s grown into an NFL body, but despite adding 75 pounds but he’s kept his speed.
While raw, the 49ers know they found a gem.
Correction, he found them. As an undrafted Free Agent, it was Valdez’s job to find a team that suited his style. Down in Silicon Valley he appears to have found a home.
“I thought the 49ers were the best scheme for me, and obviously, (49er DL coach) Kris (Kocurek) is a good, great coach. (I’ve got) a lot to learn from him.”
He was on the fast track to the NFL in a round-about fashion. He didn’t red shirt at Montana State and was named , transferred to UW when Washington was in the College Football Playoff championship run, sticking with the team when DeBoer left.
“If he’d chosen the portal option, who knows how things would have played out for him, as second run through the portal often falls flat for the athlete,” Muller noted. “Clearly San Francisco was the right decision for him.”
At Washington, his home of 12 months, he was a stalwart on a remade then depleted defensive front, starting all 13 games. He was 4th on the team, recording 48 tackles and was named the Newcomer of the Year for UW. At Montana State twice he earned all-conference honors.
And now he’s back to being a Revered Valley Dweller, this time in Silicon Valley.
