Football: Barton’s bountiful talents should be on display in 2017

By John Reid

Cardreider

STANFORD – Stanford inside linebacker Sean Barton was born in Bountiful, Utah. Barton has the type of talent to contribute bountiful amount of tackles, having donated 35 tackles, 2.0 sacks and 5 tackles-for-loss in his first taste of collegiate action last season.

The 6-foot-3, 233-pound Barton, a redshirt sophomore, said it took awhile to get the jitters out.

Look for inside backer Sean Barton to have a breakout season for Cardinal

“You have to get your feet under you,” said Barton, who prepped at Woods Cross High in Utah. “It’s always exciting to play in your first college game. Things are a lot faster than, even the practice field. I was nervous going out there. As you start settling in, it’s like going from 101 to 201, being able to make plays.”

A new face joins the inside linebacking corps this season – Joey Alfieri – who played on the outside with tremendous success his first two seasons.

“Joey is, probably, the most athletic out of all of us,” Barton said. “He brings a mentality and understanding of the game. He has proven it. He has made great plays at outside linebacker both years he played there. He’s big, strong and fast, everything you look for. He’s learned quickly. A lot of stuff was piled on him. Spring was tough for him trying to understand the gap assignments.”

Linebackers coach Peter Hansen likes to have a rotation of six playing on the inside to keep them fresh. The Cardinal has the benefit of having a truckload of experienced backers. Hence, Barton is not jealous of anyone getting the glory.

“Every single day, people are coming in and making plays, raising the level,” Barton said. “You can’t complain. Everybody is rising together.”

Barton and his teammates made sure to watch ex-Cardinal defensive lineman Solomon Thomas’ debut with the San Francisco 49ers Friday night in an exhibition against the Kansas City Chiefs. Thomas, who left Stanford early to play pro ball, was the No. 3 overall pick by the Niners in the 2017 NFL Draft.

“Losing Solly (Solomon Thomas) was big,” Barton said. “The rest of the defense is so experienced. Everyone has played so much. I think we can be really good.”