49ers officially announce undrafted free agent signings
by David Fucillo on Apr 26, 2010 3:27 PM PDT
in San Francisco 49ers News
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PrintThe 49ers have officially signed some of their undrafted free agents. We know most of them already, but we've got a couple others that we hadn't discussed before. After the jump I've included bios on all the players, courtesy of the 49ers.
Mike Balogun, LB, Oklahoma
Tramaine Brock, CB, Belhaven
Jarrett Brown, QB, West Virginia
Shay Hodge, WR, Mississippi
Keaton Kristick, LB, Oregon State
Scott Long, WR, Louisville
Christopher Maragos, S, Wisconsin
Jared Perry, WR, Missouri
Patrick Stoudamire, CB, Western Illinois
Leroy Vann, CB/RS, Florida A&M
LB Mike Balogun - Oklahoma - (6-0, 240)
Played for the Sooners for one season, appearing in 10 games (2 starts) and recording 13 tackles, including a season-high 6 stops in the National Championship game against Florida in 2008. Did not play in 2009. Starred at Lackawanna (PA) CC before transferring to Oklahoma. Named the Northeast Football Conference Player of the Year, while earning first-team Northeast Football All-Conference and second-team NJCAA All-American, racking up 86 tackles in 2007. Also added 1 sack, 2 INTs and 3 FFs. Earned degree in sociology. Born 9/28/83 in Upper Marlboro, MD.
CB Tramaine Brock - Belhaven - (5-10, 197)
In 11 games as a senior at Belhaven, posted 51 tackles, 13.5 TFLs, 2.5 sacks, 6 INTs, 10 PDs and 1 FR, while also returning 29 kicks for 505 yds. Spent junior season at Minnesota, totaling 73 tackles, 6 PDs, 1 INT, 3 FFs and 1 FR, before transferring to Belhaven. Prior to time at Minnesota, played at one of the nation's top junior college programs, Mississippi Gulf Coast, helping the Bulldogs to a perfect 12-0 record and a share of the NJCAA National Championship as a sophomore. Totaled 72 tackles, 7 INTs and 2 FFs in 17 games at MGC. Attended Long Beach Senior (MS) HS, recording 57 tackles and 4 INTs as a junior, while rushing for 690 yds.and 5 TDs. Majored in communication studies. Born 8/20/88 in Gulfport, MS.
QB Jarrett Brown - West Virginia - (6-3, 224)
Saw action in 38 games (15 starts) in his career and completed 268 of 421 passes (63.6 pct.) for 2,943 yds. with 16 TDs and 13 INTs, adding 1,138 rushing yds. on 234 carries with 13 TDs. Started all 13 games as a senior, and became the first Mountaineer quarterback to throw for more than 2,000 yds. in a season (2,144) since Marc Bulger in 1998. A 2nd-team All Big East selection, ranked 2nd on the team with 466 rushing yds. and 5 TDs. Compiled a 23-6 overall record when he threw at least one pass in a game, including an 11-4 record as a starter. Earned all-state honors at Palm Beach Lakes (FL) HS and was Sun-Sentinel POY. Lettered four times in basketball and led the team to the Class 6-A state finals as a senior. Majored in athletic coaching education. Born 1/23/86 in West Palm Beach, FL.
WR Shay Hodge - Mississippi - (6-1, 214)
Saw action in all 50 games (29 starts) during his four-year career at Ole Miss. Ranks as school's career-leader in receiving yds. (2,646) and ranks 2nd in recepts. (173) and TDs (22). Named 1st-team All-SEC as a senior after leading team in rec. yds. per game (87.3) and recepts. (5.4). Set single-season record for rec. yds. and became the first 1,000-yd. receiver in school history (1,135). As a junior, earned 3rd-team All-SEC honors and tied for the SEC lead with 8 TD catches. Lettered four years in basketball, earning MVP honors and averaging 25 ppg. at Morton (MS) HS. Majored in journalism. Full name is Vareion Deshay Hodge. Born 10/18/87.
LB Keaton Kristick - Oregon St. - (6-3, 234)
A two-year starter, played in 50 games (27 starts) and totaled 211 tackles, 22.5 TFLs, 5.5 sacks, 2 INTs, 2 FFs and 2 FRs. Earned first-team All-Pac 10 honors as a senior after leading the Beavers with 95 tackles and adding 7.5 TFLs, 1 sack, 2 INTs, 1 FF and 1 FR. In 2008, posted 84 tackles and 14 TFLs, to go along with 3.5 sacks. Starred at St. Mary's HS in Phoenix, AZ, and was named first-team all-state as a senior. Played both LB and RB, leading the team in both tackles and rushing from 2003-05. Named the region's Defensive POY. Majored in business. Born Keaton Kristick on 4/25/88 in Naperville, IL.
WR Scott Long - Louisville - (6-2, 216)
Saw action in 35 games (13 starts) during his four-year career at Louisville, recording 91 catches for 1,286 yds. and 4 TDs. Led team with 53 recepts. for 727 yds. with 2 TDs in 12 games (10 starts) as a senior. Missed first four games of junior season while recovering from a foot injury and went on to catch 11 passes for 201 yds. and 2 TDs in three games before suffering a season-ending ACL injury. Played three seasons at South Brunswick HS in Southport, NC, where he received all-conference and all-county honors at WR as a senior. Also named all-county in his sophomore season for his play at DB. Performed on track and field team. Majored in sport administration. Born 10/22/86 in Southport, NC.
S Chris Maragos - Wisconsin - (5-10, 200)
Played in 26 games (19 starts) at safety in his two-year career at Wisconsin after transferring from Western Michigan prior to the 2007 season. Earned honorable mention All-Big Ten and the UW's Tom Wiesner Award as a senior captain, starting all 13 games and leading team with 4 INTs to go along with 49 tackles, 6 PBUs, 1 sack, 1 FF and 3 TFLs. As a junior, saw action in 13 games (6 starts) and posted 45 tackles and 1 INT. Sat out 2007 season after transferring from Western Michigan. Played in 13 games (8 starts) at wide receiver in 2006 and caught 25 passes for 222 yds., while making 5 tackles on defense. Joined team as a walk-on in the fall and redshirted in 2005. Was an all-state, all-district and all-county selection at William Horlick HS in Racine, WI, where he was a two-time captain and team MVP. Earned all-conference 12 times between football and track. Father, Nick, was a free safety at Northern Iowa, and brother, Troy, was a former Bucky Badger. Earned a degree in business. Born 1/6/87 in Racine, WI.
WR Jared Perry - Missouri - (6-1, 177)
Played in 52 games (27 starts) for the Tigers and recorded 137 recepts. for 1,844 yds. and 13 TDs. Finished 2nd on the team with 46 recepts. for 696 yds. and 6 TDs as a senior. Amassed 41 recepts. for 567 yds. and 4 TDs in his junior campaign. Earned honorable mention freshman All-American honors and was named to the Big 12's All-Freshman team by The Sporting News after leading all freshmen with 37 catches for 429 yds. and 3 TDs in 2006. Starred in both football and track at La Marque (TX) HS and was named first-team all-district as a junior after notching 51 catches for 1,000 yds. and 8 TDs. Born Jared Perry on 3/29/88 in La Marque, TX.
CB Patrick Stoudamire - Western Illinois - (5-10, 206)
Named first-team All-Missouri Valley Football Conference three times, totaling 134 tackles, 6 INTs, 41 PDs, 2 FFs and 1 FR in 42 games for the Leathernecks. As a senior, posted 37 tackles, 17 PDs, 1 INT, 1 FF and 1 FR in 11 games (10 starts). A season prior, tallied 32 tackles, 9 PDs and 1 INT. Had a breakout season as a sophomore, registering 41 tackles, 9 PDs, 3 INTs and 1 FF in 11 games (10 starts). Attended Centennial (OR) HS, rushing for 1,253 yds. and 15 TDs as an all-state QB, while also earning all-state honors at DB. Also earned numerous honors in basketball. Is the cousin of the NBA's Salim Stoudamire (Milwaukee Bucks) and 13-year veteran (retired) Damon Stoudamire. Majored in biology. Born 2/21/88 in Portland, OR.
CB/KR LeRoy Vann - Florida A&M - (5-8, 177)
Became one of five players in NCAA FCS history to return both punts and kickoffs for at least 1,000 yds. in a career. Set the NCAA record with 11 combined TD returns, including 58 career punt returns for 1,033 yds. and 8 TDs, and 81 kickoff returns for 1,973 yds. and 3 TDs. Owns 5 NCAA return records, while tying another, and holds 9 school and conference return records. Also totaled 107 tackles, 13.5 TFLs, 3 sacks and 2 INTs in his career as a defensive back. Returned 29 punts for 569 yds. (20.2 avg.) and 5 TDs as a senior. The 20.2 average ranked 2nd in the NCAA FCS. As a junior, recorded 1,121 kickoff return yds. with 3 TDs and 464 punt return yds. with 3 TDs. Lettered in football and track at Howard W. Blake HS in Tampa, FL. Majored in criminal justice. Born 11/18/86 in Tampa, FL.
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Seems like some pretty solid signings!
by Riding The F Train on Apr 26, 2010 3:51 PM PDT reply actions
Shawnbrey McNeal
As far as I know, he is stil out there. I still think we should bring in another running back to push Dixon. I am not sold on him. And last night, I spent time confirming, by looking at highlights, what I already thought I knew by watching them both last year in that Blount is better than Dixon in all facet’s. So the Blount thing still has me a bit upset, but I will obviously move on. Blount is not avoiding competition by going there because the Titans brought in Stafon Johnson to compete also.
Could you tell me how Blount is better?
Not trying to start an argument, I just really want your opinion since when I went back and watched highlights I came out feeling like Dixon is the better back.
And then God created Saturn.. And he liked it, so he put a ring on it.
You go strolling through the crowd like Peter Lorre... contemplating a crime.
The first thing, and most glaring for me
was Dixon’s inhability to block. Outside of that they have simliar running styles, but Blount has a bit more game speed. Blount is more elusive and makes people miss, plus runs through them, opposed to where Dixon just mainly goes heads up with folks. Dixon is just a straight line runner and that is why I can only see him being used in goaline situations… or giving him the ball in the 4th Quarter to run down the defense (which I also don’t like). I just hope the Niners don’t think because they got a couple of lineman and a big running back that they can hang on to a 3 point lead in the 4th by run, run, run cause we will lose those games again. My observations were developed through the season on Dixon, and I watched more than a few games from Oregon the year before. Blount also had a very good Senior Bowl outing.
Overall, at this point it doesn’t really matter anymore cause he is gone and I am over it. It was just a bit disappointing because I really felt like Blount had much more upside. And even though he is gone now, I am not satisfied with the Dixon pick. I really hope that we bring in another guy to push him.
I see what you mean.
I guess we just looked at the games a little bit differently. I feel like Dixon has much more athletic potential and is also much smarter, he’s a student of the game and I feel like we can coach him up very well to do exactly what we do. I’m not a fan of the 4th quarter thing either, but if we put the ball in Blount’s hands and went with the “run run run” philosophy to hold onto that lead, I still think we’d lose. I’m going to go watch more, because admittedly it’s really close to me.
And then God created Saturn.. And he liked it, so he put a ring on it.
You go strolling through the crowd like Peter Lorre... contemplating a crime.
So if I get you two "wise ones" right..
and I don’t mean that perjoratively at all. You guys both know your stuff very well. Drew feels that Dixon is slower and not as good at pass blocking. And James feels that Dixon is more coachable and a “Bellichick” type player, plays the game with his mind as well as his body. That about sum it up? Now speed cannot be coached as they say in Madden way too often. But if Dixon can work out for us as a real pounder then it could be nice. I will admit that I do not have much faith in Coffee at this point (though I hope to be surprised) and would hope that we can use Dixon this year as just a pound it guy to give a few yards and let Gore get a breather then push it in with Gore or have them see Gore come in and look for the long run and we pass it off or such. Sorry a bit tired LOL
by ChesapeakeBay9er on Apr 26, 2010 5:02 PM PDT up reply actions
That just about sums it up...
…though I feel that with the limited time Dixon will be in there in his first couple seasons that pass blocking really won’t come up, and that the guy does have some game speed.
And then God created Saturn.. And he liked it, so he put a ring on it.
You go strolling through the crowd like Peter Lorre... contemplating a crime.
Wow, where have you been building your oppinions from?
I watched a few Miss St games last year and even watching his highlight films on youtube you can tell Dixon is far more elusive than Blount. He has unreal cutting ability and stop and go speed. Blount is more of the straight ahead runner who is gunna go threw someone before trying to make them miss, not sure where you are basing your opinions off of. Not to mention Dixon was very productive behind a week line and team in a very strong defensive conference.
What?
I completely disagree. It is completely evident in just the few highlights that you aren’t even close in your observations. Cutting ability? Where? Speed? Where? Dixon runs north and south… and lays big punishing hits on the defense when they try to tackle him. And that is all he is good for. His hands are so-so but his blocking is subpar.
Trust… I have watched PLENTY of both to substantiate my opinion. It seems as though you have maybe only watched one youtube highlight on Blount to formlate your opinion.
Just saying..
I’ve watched PLENTY of both to substantiate my opinion as well. Not that I’m agreeing with everything he’s saying (or anything, haven’t read the post yet), just saying.
And then God created Saturn.. And he liked it, so he put a ring on it.
You go strolling through the crowd like Peter Lorre... contemplating a crime.
You don’t think Blount’s skills are anyway affected by either a) Oregon’s offense or b) Pac 10 defenses?
Obviously Blount is physically impressive, but I find it hard to believe you can definitively compare them to say that “Blount is better than Dixon in all facets”. The SEC has two things going for it: the defenses are tougher and the offenses tend to be closer to the pros. I honestly don’t think either Dixon or Blount will be great NFL backs, but I think it is extremely difficult to state which will have the better career.
Anyways, I am not losing any sleep over it and maybe I am just hopeful that you will end up being wrong, haha. I also agree that we should bring in another back, but think we should try to find someone who offers a different skill set than the Dixon/Coffee type. Don’t know much about Shawnbrey though so I can’t really comment on if he is a guy I’d like to see
But it doesn’t really have to do with the division. Yes, I do consider that in some scenarios, but the Pac-10 has been rolling out a lot of defensive talent in recent years past… so that to mew isn’t the main kicker.
What is the main kicker for me is the skill-set. And in Dixon’s case, the lack there of. He is a straight line runner and is really only good for a 4-5 yard punch if you need it. And that’s not necessarily in every case. Dixon can catch the ball really well, but his pass blocking isn’t where it needs to be… I seem to recall us cutting a running back last year for that very same reason. At Mississippi State, Dixon also only really ran a few different run plays. Granted, it wasn’t his fault because he wasn’t the one calling the plays, but it doens mean that he will be getting several new looks with the 49ers. I don’t knoiw how adaptable he is.
For the rest, just see my response above to James.
By Pac-10 defensive talent you mean USC right??
Not seeing much production in the NFL from anywhere else.
McNeal would be a COP back
From what I’ve seen of him he’s a perimeter runner. He played in a spread offense, so he would be a fit here if that’s what we end up running most of the time. Looks like he’s got some decent speed. Probably the only reason why he didn’t get drafted was because he didn’t really do a lot until just last season. He only played two years at Miami, FL, ended up not really doing anything there and transfered to SMU in his last year. I’d say he’s worth the look though.
As far as bringing in another experienced back on the pro level, (whoever reads this will laugh) bringing back Thomas Clayton is a possibility. I don’ t think he’ll beat out anybody, but if he’s healthy enough I’m certain he will at least compete and push Dixon a little.
Blount
Why stress rookies when Frank Gore is the man. Really all we neend for someone to give him a rest.
big melly
Yes, he is...
but he can’t do it all and he misses a few games each year because he tries to do it all by himself. Another running back is fairly important and significant to Gore having success and keeping him fresh through out the season.
yup yup
Teams need more than one good back to handle the load. Even IF Gore stays healthy all year long he can’t take all the carries. It’s just not possible for one guy to handle the entire load. Having a good backup keeps defenses on their toes. They can’t just look and see “oh Gore is out it must be a pass because the other guy sucks.”
The drop off in production is less with a good backup. Examples: Jonathan Stewart in Carolina- Turner with San Diego before he left for ATL- Fred Taylor w MJ Drew – Chester Taylor and A Peterson in MInnesota.
What about Miller?
Lonyae Miller? Big, fast and a good outside runner? I don’t know if I am sold on Dixon or not but would be kind of interesting to see (when and if) Gore goes out for a break or due to injury that we could one two swipe at them with Dixon pounding them as a sledge and Miller running it out the side. One thing I dislike about him is “he seems disinterested as a pass blocker” but much better chance of Rathman and Sing working that out of him than either KSWOF or Blount’s problems.
by ChesapeakeBay9er on Apr 26, 2010 4:52 PM PDT up reply actions
Miller
I like him a lot too. In general, I just think we should bring in an undrafted so Dixon just doesn’t assume the job is his because he was drafted and the other guy wasn’t. The thing that concerns me with this coaching staff and front office, is that even if another guy comes in and completely out does Dixon, they may give him the benefit of the doubt anyway. I hate to sound like the KSWOF guy, but I do remember a high volume of people around here that were disappointed in the release of Kory Sheets. We needed 3 running backs last year, and we really only had two. Even if Dixon and Coffee both get on, if another guy (like McNeal or Miller) come in and show flashes of brilliance, we should ultimately do everything in our power to roster all four. But that’s just my opinion. I wouldn’t lose sleep over a departure of a Michael Robinson to open that up. Furthermore, I think that Brit Miller is fully capable of doing the same thing we brought Dixon in for if he was given the chance to.
One thing I like about our WR UDFA pickups
is that we are going for fast and big. Shay actually seems like a “poor man’s” Jordan Shipley but with one difference he’s got size to him. And Long has both size and speed.
by ChesapeakeBay9er on Apr 26, 2010 5:08 PM PDT reply actions
It was up there, I know that
I had him fairly high at the beginning of the college football season in my top 20.
I don’t agree with that assessment at all. Pretty far off. If you take that assessment and basically reverse it, then you’ll have the true story.
At least this part anyway...
at the line of scrimmage or able to get off blocks. He must improve his ability to beat running backs’ blocks when blitzing. He can also be grabby in coverage,
likely to lead to many interference penalties in the NFL. Choppy and upright in his backpedal, Stoudamire has had problems transitioning on out routes; he flips
his hips open too early inside, allowing WRs to get open on stop and run patterns.
Stoudamire’s size and quick feet are very intriguing. He lacks the
flashy statistics and does not have the experience playing against top tier competition, but he boasts the natural skills and necessary attitude to at least be
The rest isn’t too too bad, I guess.
returners
Vann is the only real accomplished returner of the UDFA’s right? I think I saw one of the WR’s had done some returns, few, and the totals weren’t real impressive.
I hope Vann turns out to be a good PR, Ginn at KR, and if we can get a CB out of this UDFA crop who can play ST’s (cut Smith or Paymah..or both) and grow into a role in dime/nickel…that would be awesome though probably only a slim chance you find a future starter out of UDFA’s.
Niners O-Line: "Great Wall of Nine-uh"
Good idea to look for DBs ( 4 )
Of all of them, Leroy Vann stats are very impressive as a CB/KR. Stoudaimire may be a nice surprise. Overall, very good signings.
What’s up with the FO ? Suddenly they got an eye for talent ? A lot of good talent this year ! Good Job !!!
Why isn't Kyle Williams on this list?
was that a mistake that he agreed to terms?
Niners O-Line: "Great Wall of Nine-uh"
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