49ers' ‘Hulk' was a zero-star recruit. Now he's manhandling NFL linemen
Five years after being thrust into the spotlight at an FCS school, Sebastian Valdez, a 2025 undrafted free agent, is a 6-foot-3, 301-pound regular for the San Francisco 49ers defense.
In 2021, 18-year-old Sebastian Valdez moved from his hometown of Spring Valley to Bozeman, Montana, to begin his freshman season at Montana State. He was recruited by first-year defensive line coach Shawn Howe, who immediately saw potential in the "zero-star" recruit. When a starting defensive tackle at Montana State injured his knee, Howe promoted Valdez to defensive tackle, believing he was the future of the position.
Valdez struggled initially, gaining weight and battling an elbow injury during his senior year at Washington. Despite not being drafted in 2025, he signed with the San Francisco 49ers as a free agent. Valdez, nicknamed "The Hulk" for his strength, has since become a rotation regular on the 49ers, recording nine tackles, three quarterback hits, two tackles-for-loss and a sack in five career games.
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