49ers Insider Boldly Predicts Talanoa Hufanga's Future With San Francisco

Hufanga moves to linebacker?

Former USC Trojan Talanoa Hufanga begins his new journey with the San Francisco 49ers this year. 

Hufanga spent three seasons with USC and totaled 203 tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss, 12 passes defended, 6.5 sacks, four interceptions and four forced fumbles. The ex-Trojan defender was drafted by San Francisco in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL Draft at pick 180 overall.

Now there is no doubt that Hufanga is tremendously talented, but can he add value to the 49ers defense at the safety position?

Sports Illustrated's All49ers Publisher Grant Cohn believes that Hufanga can certainly  add value, but perhaps on special teams or at weakside linebacker. 

He writes:

"Hufanga still can prove useful to the 49ers. He will play right away on special teams, and has the potential to be one of the 49ers' best punt and kickoff cover men.

Plus, he might be able to move to weakside linebacker.

The 49ers list Hufanga at 215 pounds, which seems small for a linebacker. But the 49ers like small linebackers. One of the their primary backup linebackers -- Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles -- weighs just 210 pounds. The 49ers signed him as a undrafted free agent in 2019 out of Arizona, where he was a strong safety. So the 49ers have a history of converting Pac 12 safeties into NFL linebackers.

Expect the 49ers to try Hufanga at safety initially, but then move him to linebacker sooner rather than later." [Cohn]

Hufanga inked a deal with the 49ers on May 13 and solidified his rookie contract. He participated in rookie mini camp and will hope to make a splash at Levi Stadium this fall. 

----

You may also like:

[READ: Is There Beef Between Georgia QB JT Daniels and USC?]

[LOOK: USC Freshman Participate in Summer Workouts]

----

Be sure to stay locked into AllTrojans all the time!

Follow AllTrojans on Twitter: @SI_AllTrojans

Follow Claudette Montana Pattison on Twitter: @claudette_mp

Like and follow AllTrojans on Facebook

Subscribe on YOUTUBE!

For more USC news visit www.alltrojans.com