Players to watch during Spring Practice - Printable Version
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Players to watch during Spring Practice - OutsiderFan - 02-22-2018
This will look at one player from each position group to keep an eye on. We'll start with Defense because the Defense has progressively gotten worse over each of the last three seasons and must improve, and because the Offense is loaded.
Defensive Tackle
Dalyn Wade-Perry. If there is one player on the roster who could determine whether Stanford is a contender or a champion in 2018, it's him. He'll be going up against arguably the best OL in the country this Spring. Watch to see if he can get his pad level down and if he can take on double teams and hold his ground. If he can, the run defense, and the entire defense will improve dramatically. Will also be good to see Michael Williams on the field after heart surgery, and to see what Bo Peek can do, as it's possible Stanford could have some decent depth here for once.
Defensive End
Ryan Johnson. Jovan Swann showed evidence he is a player in 2017. He had a better RS Frosh year than Dylan Jackson did, IMO, and maybe even a better year than Jackson's Soph campaign. But Johnson is the guy to watch, because someone needs to push Jackson to be better. It's doubtful the coaching staff will want to have two RS Frosh on the starting DL, but if Johnson shows some ability in Spring, Stanford will be in good shape, especially with Booker coming in Fall.
Inside Linebacker
Andrew Pryts. Given the horror show that is ILB depth after this season, Pryts must develop into a reliable starter. With DWP up front, Stanford can probably afford to trade some size for the speed at the ILB position. As a former Safety (with High School highlights I loved), Pryts should bring that, but can he make the full transition?
Outside Linebacker
Curtis Robinson. So far, Robinson would classify as a disappointment in my view. Stanford's highly touted 4 and 5 star OLBs really haven't lived up to their hype as dominant outside pass rushers. Kalambayi, Alfieri, Noor Davis, and James Vaughters were all suppose to be possible pass rushing terrors, but all of them were pretty much eclipsed by much less heralded Mike Tyler in terms of pass rush production. Tyler didn't put up big numbers either, but he put more consistent pressure on the QB than any of these other guys, IMO. Stanford needs Curtis Robinson to make a major leap and live up to his 5 star recruit billing as a constant pass rusher.
Cornerback
Paulson Adebo. Based on what has been inferred, Adebo might be the most athletically gifted CB Stanford has had since Richard Sherman. Fluid athlete, great speed, kind of the prototype it seems. If Stanford can re-load the position Meeks left, it bodes well for the defense.
Safety
Stuart Head. This kid reminds me of the Stanford Safeties of yesteryear; tall, rangy, and physical, in the mold of Tim Smith and Tank Williams. Not going to play all five positions like Justin Reid could, but pure Safety who probably brings a more physical presence to the field. Really liked his high school highlights. You'll be able to tell if Stanford can re-load the Safety position vacated by Reid by watching Head in Spring.
Right side of Offensive Line
Foster Sarell & Devery Hamilton. Given Little, Herbig, and Burkett are cemented in as starters at LT, LG, and C, and because of the numbers, you almost have to include more than one guy here. Hall acquitted himself much better at RT in 2017 than 2016, but it seems Devery Hamilton and Foster Sarell have more upside. All these guys played Tackle in 2018, so it would seem someone is moving to Guard, unless Fanaika or Wilson are too good. The most fierce competition for starting jobs between now and August is going to be who the starters are on the right side of the OL.
Quarterback
KJ Costello. We know he is coming off hip surgery and won't be a full participant in Spring, but it will be pretty important for him to be seen participating at some level. Because though he has a lot more time to heal, it will bode well to see him in the mix sooner than later.
Hmm. Maybe Tavita can suit up and get some reps? How the hell are the receivers going to get any work with no QBs available in Spring?
Wide Receiver
Osiris St. Brown. It's possible he would have played as a Frosh in 2017 if he was healthy, or the NCAA had the new redshirt rule that allowed players to play in ANY four games without losing a year of eligibility. I almost chose Simi Fehoko here, but given no Stanford player has played the same year after returning from a mission, the nod goes to St. Brown.
Tight End
Scooter Harrington. Kaden Smith looks like an All-American candidate and Colby Parkinson is much more of a big slot or even WR who doesn't line up as an inline blocker. If Harrington develops as both a blocker and receiver, Stanford will be able to deploy double or maybe even triple Tight End formations.
Running Back
Trevor Speights. After looking pretty impressive in 2017 Spring game, Speights didn't produce as expected in 2017. Watch to see how much RB master teacher Ron Gould can extract from Speights in his second year. My guess is, based on Gould's track record, we'll see a big jump from Speights this season.
Overall, if you look at the roster, this has the potential to be a championship contending team if the highlighted guys develop adequately. The offensive line might be the best in the country. Bryce Love is the most productive and explosive RB in college football. KJ Costello will probably be able to get his completion percentage up over 60% throwing to some great TEs and capable WRs. If the DL can improve and get the Rushing Defense to allow even just less then 4 YPC, this team could be dominant, because the OL and offense could be pretty much unstoppable.
Re: Players to watch during Spring Practice - BobK - 02-22-2018
Great post. Lots to think about.
Isnt Fehoko on his mission until June? Pretty sure he is
Not sure St Brown was healthy enough to play last season. So he is certainly one to watch.
Re: Players to watch during Spring Practice - Phogge - 02-22-2018
If Pryts starts it means that Perez, Branch and Barton are hurt, disclipined or on academic probation. It also means that the safeties can't miss tackles.
Re: Players to watch during Spring Practice - OutsiderFan - 02-22-2018
(02-22-2018, 11:00 AM)Phogge link Wrote:If Pryts starts it means that Perez, Branch and Barton are hurt, disclipined or on academic probation. It also means that the safeties can't miss tackles.
https://twitter.com/s_b9rton/status/966421830771724289
If Pryts starts - which I'm not expecting - he will probably have to beat out the others. Barton seems likely to be back at full speed by August based on that video.
Re: Players to watch during Spring Practice - cardcrimson - 02-22-2018
What, no Shavita watch? ;)
Re: Players to watch during Spring Practice - ATLCard - 02-22-2018
Maybe Barton is the ILB to watch in the spring -- watching that contraption in the video is pretty interesting. But, since he won't be on the field in the spring and we already know about the 3 seniors, Pryts is a reasonable choice to keep an eye on. I hope he can make the transition.
Re: Players to watch during Spring Practice - barrister7 - 02-22-2018
Very nice breakdown, OF. I thought Barton was playing really well when he went down with the injury. I would expect that he will be a stalwart next year. It is interesting that you mention Head. His film portrays a pretty tough hombre. It can be comforting to have a "thumper" back there at the safety spot. And, who knows, Pryts might turn out to be another Coy Wire.
Re: Players to watch during Spring Practice - needle - 02-23-2018
I want to see if Alfieri can *at least* get back to how he was playing in 2016. Injuries take their toll, I know, but I'm hopeful he can be an all-conference player this fall. Maybe we can get a peek of that this spring.
Re: Players to watch during Spring Practice - Phogge - 02-23-2018
The need for a stud MLB in the next class is huuuuuge.
Re: Players to watch during Spring Practice - winflop - 02-23-2018
Great post but my eyes will be on the second string QBÂ :P :P :P
Re: Players to watch during Spring Practice - OutsiderFan - 02-27-2018
(02-23-2018, 02:19 PM)winflop link Wrote:Great post but my eyes will be on the second string QBÂ :P :P :P
Tavita Pritchard?
Re: Players to watch during Spring Practice - Snorlax94 - 02-27-2018
Thanks for the list!
I share peoples concerns, especially about the D line and QB depth, but I am surprised I havent seen much discussion about the fullback position.
Daniel Marx was IMO an unsung hero, and he will be missed. I felt like one of the reasons the running game really suffered for a time in 16 was wheh Marx was injured and Williams went in as a RS1. I saw a lot of plays where Williams just wasnt finding his man and there was a free defender to take down McCaffrey at or behind the line.
So, I definitely want to see if someone is ready to fill Marxs shoes, whether Williams with another two years, or someone else.
Re: Players to watch during Spring Practice - PVTree - 02-27-2018
Look for the long-haired fullback on the roster to take over for Marx. ;)
Re: Players to watch during Spring Practice - newguy - 03-01-2018
(02-27-2018, 07:16 PM)PVTree link Wrote:Look for the long-haired fullback on the roster to take over for Marx. ;)
well Reagan Williams IS quite easy to spot lol
Re: Players to watch during Spring Practice - OutsiderFan - 03-12-2018
Bam: https://www.sfgate.com/sports/article/Stanford-s-Anderson-finds-stars-after-a-rash-of-12745083.php?utm_campaign=twitter-desktop&utm_source=CMS%20Sharing%20Button&utm_medium=social
I almost put Gabe Reid in as my top player to watch at OLB, but went with Robinson because so much is expected from him given his 5 star recruit status. Seems like it might be time to turn your gaze from Robinson to Reid:
Gabe Reid, outside linebacker: He redshirted last year after serving a two-year LDS Church mission. Hes the guy were most pleased with this spring, Anderson said. Our most consistent pass rusher. He just needs the experience, but physically hes played very well.
Also good things about DWP and Swann. Anderson too is expecting more from Jackson. Would have liked to hear about Ryan Johnson, but some good news on Williams. All in all, I believe Stanford fans are underestimating the DL this season. Need to forget about how young they are and focus on the talent.
Re: Players to watch during Spring Practice - BobK - 03-12-2018
Johnson didnt practice
Re: Players to watch during Spring Practice - SamuelMcF - 03-12-2018
(03-12-2018, 09:02 AM)OutsiderFan link Wrote:Also good things about DWP and Swann. Anderson too is expecting more from Jackson. Would have liked to hear about Ryan Johnson, but some good news on Williams. All in all, I believe Stanford fans are underestimating the DL this season. Need to forget about how young they are and focus on the talent.
(03-12-2018, 09:34 AM)BobK link Wrote:Johnson didnt practice
Frustrating, but I'm holding onto some hope here. Is Johnson still injured? Do we know what happened to him in the first place?
If he can come back and play any sort of serviceably, we can likely rotate 5-6 on the DL this year - which is actually better than last year (essentially only 4/4.5 with Harry/Cotton/Jackson and Swann - Williams' heart condition meant he couldn't get out there to spell Harry for very long; I'm very happy he seems to be doing well). This group is gonna be good in a year or 2 with game experience and time for Booker and Fox to develop.
Re: Players to watch during Spring Practice - ChicagoCard - 03-12-2018
Is Dylan Boles playing?
Bo Peek, Thomas Schaeffer?
How about Tucker Fisk, is he practicing at tight end?
Re: Players to watch during Spring Practice - 82lsju - 03-12-2018
from the end of the sfgate article
Defensive tackle Michael Williams, who underwent a heart procedure in January, is playing and said he feels as good as Ive felt in years. He said he had an irregular heartbeat that caused me to get fatigued. Now I feel tremendous. Also among the missing have been tailbacks Bryce Love and Cameron Scarlett, quarterbacks K.J. Costello and Davis Mills, fullback Reagan Williams, center Jesse Burkett, wide receiver Donald Stewart, outside linebackers Joey Alfieri and Jordan Fox and inside linebacker Sean Barton.
Re: Players to watch during Spring Practice - SamuelMcF - 03-12-2018
(03-12-2018, 11:12 AM)ChicagoTree link Wrote:Is Dylan Boles playing?
Yes, but the only reason I know this is Stanford's promo video for spring practice features Nick Wilson pancaking the ever-loving daylights out of him.
(03-12-2018, 11:12 AM)ChicagoTree link Wrote:How about Tucker Fisk, is he practicing at tight end?
I hope so. Despite our shakiness on the DL, we still need TE depth especially since we only took a preferred walk-on (Le) in this past class. Part of me hopes he's good enough for a schollie; he certainly looks the part.
And we really should take another one this class.