[ChicagoCard]

I hope it doesn't have anything to do with an injury in the Sun Bowl.

[ChicagoCard]

I hope it doesn't have anything to do with an injury in the Sun Bowl.

[CTcard]

Alfieri is now at ILB. 
...
It seems the most likely LB 3-deep is something like:

ROLB Toohill - Robinson - Fox
RILB  Okerke - Barton - Branch
LILB  Alfieri - Palma - Perez
LOLB Kalambayi - Tyler - Reid

Maybe I'm premature, but if Veach hasn't played in his career yet, it's time to look to the younger guys who might have some potential, like Reid and Fox.  But honestly, only the top 8 will play very much.

The official roster lists Alfieri as "Inside/Outside Linebacker". Not sure if that means anything, but I haven't seen clarification that Alfieri is fully set at ILB yet. [But I have just returned from the wilderness and may have missed it.]

Last year we played 10/11 guys a reasonable number of snaps at LB (the /11 depends on whether you consider that Robinson played a reasonable number of snaps or not).

Of those 11, the only one gone is Noor Davis - who was fairly far down the list. At the least, the LB group had better be substantially better than last year; when it was alright.

My guess at the depth chart would be:
Starters:
OLB - Kalambayi, Tyler
ILB - Alfieri, Palma

Depth
OLB -  Toohill, Robinson
ILB - Okereke, Barton, Perez, Branch

NOTES:
- This is mostly based upon how they finished up last year.
- Toohill was coming on strong at the end, but Tyler got considerably more snaps overall - so for now I list Tyler as the second starter. I've heard some rave reviews for Robinson so perhaps he'll pass them both, but last year he was considerably behind both.
- Based on where they were headed at the end of the season, it's possible Okereke has/will pass Palma - but I think the coaches like Palma more than this board does.
- I guess these ten will see notable playing time.
- I have nothing upon which to comment upon Fox. Reid is coming off a mission and is very unlikely to play.
- We have a walk-on OLB named "Thunder Justice Keck". This guy needs to get on the field at some point to make the all-name team. http://www.gostanford.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=11616
-  Kalambayi mostly played on the right side last year, I'd guess they'd leave him there.

------
In worrying about our safeties, I wonder whether johnnyo forgot about Reid or just thinks far less of him than others do. In this case I agree with conventional wisdom that Reid has looked good and seems to be developing. The second safety will be an issue until it isn't, but there are candidates. 

I'd say I am confident that eight positions on defense will be at least solid. My worries are how big the other three holes might be and whether there are enough stars to lead.

[CTcard]

Alfieri is now at ILB. 
...
It seems the most likely LB 3-deep is something like:

ROLB Toohill - Robinson - Fox
RILB  Okerke - Barton - Branch
LILB  Alfieri - Palma - Perez
LOLB Kalambayi - Tyler - Reid

Maybe I'm premature, but if Veach hasn't played in his career yet, it's time to look to the younger guys who might have some potential, like Reid and Fox.  But honestly, only the top 8 will play very much.

The official roster lists Alfieri as "Inside/Outside Linebacker". Not sure if that means anything, but I haven't seen clarification that Alfieri is fully set at ILB yet. [But I have just returned from the wilderness and may have missed it.]

Last year we played 10/11 guys a reasonable number of snaps at LB (the /11 depends on whether you consider that Robinson played a reasonable number of snaps or not).

Of those 11, the only one gone is Noor Davis - who was fairly far down the list. At the least, the LB group had better be substantially better than last year; when it was alright.

My guess at the depth chart would be:
Starters:
OLB - Kalambayi, Tyler
ILB - Alfieri, Palma

Depth
OLB -  Toohill, Robinson
ILB - Okereke, Barton, Perez, Branch

NOTES:
- This is mostly based upon how they finished up last year.
- Toohill was coming on strong at the end, but Tyler got considerably more snaps overall - so for now I list Tyler as the second starter. I've heard some rave reviews for Robinson so perhaps he'll pass them both, but last year he was considerably behind both.
- Based on where they were headed at the end of the season, it's possible Okereke has/will pass Palma - but I think the coaches like Palma more than this board does.
- I guess these ten will see notable playing time.
- I have nothing upon which to comment upon Fox. Reid is coming off a mission and is very unlikely to play.
- We have a walk-on OLB named "Thunder Justice Keck". This guy needs to get on the field at some point to make the all-name team. http://www.gostanford.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=11616
-  Kalambayi mostly played on the right side last year, I'd guess they'd leave him there.

------
In worrying about our safeties, I wonder whether johnnyo forgot about Reid or just thinks far less of him than others do. In this case I agree with conventional wisdom that Reid has looked good and seems to be developing. The second safety will be an issue until it isn't, but there are candidates. 

I'd say I am confident that eight positions on defense will be at least solid. My worries are how big the other three holes might be and whether there are enough stars to lead.

[pcgoode]

The bigger question is who won't be playing.

My bet would be on one of the ILB given Alfieri's move to the position.

[pcgoode]

The bigger question is who won't be playing.

My bet would be on one of the ILB given Alfieri's move to the position.

[BobK]

New roster with walk ons

http://www.gostanford.com/roster.aspx?pa...&sort=name

Yes two names missing.  Medically retired. 

Quiz time

[BobK]

New roster with walk ons

http://www.gostanford.com/roster.aspx?pa...&sort=name

Yes two names missing.  Medically retired. 

Quiz time

[pcgoode]

New roster with walk ons

http://www.gostanford.com/roster.aspx?pa...&sort=name

Yes two names missing.  Medically retired. 

Quiz time

Wesley Annan.

[pcgoode]

New roster with walk ons

http://www.gostanford.com/roster.aspx?pa...&sort=name

Yes two names missing.  Medically retired. 

Quiz time

Wesley Annan.

[needle]

Paxton Segina, a wide receiver from Texas, is also absent from the roster (as is walk-on QB Brent Peus).

[needle]

Paxton Segina, a wide receiver from Texas, is also absent from the roster (as is walk-on QB Brent Peus).

[OutsiderFan]

Annan and Yarbrough are off the roster now.

No OLB is missing.

As for OLB, I'm putting my chips on Toohill as a starter. He's just a better athlete than Tyler.  This makes the Alfieri move to ILB possible. 

[OutsiderFan]

Annan and Yarbrough are off the roster now.

No OLB is missing.

As for OLB, I'm putting my chips on Toohill as a starter. He's just a better athlete than Tyler.  This makes the Alfieri move to ILB possible. 

[washingtonismoney]

Chryst looks OK rolling out in this video: https://twitter.com/StanfordFball/status...8619992064

(Yes, I know, one video blah blah blah you're right.)

[washingtonismoney]

Chryst looks OK rolling out in this video: https://twitter.com/StanfordFball/status...8619992064

(Yes, I know, one video blah blah blah you're right.)

[rudruff]

Just happy to see he isn't rolling out using a pair of crutches

[rudruff]

Just happy to see he isn't rolling out using a pair of crutches

[CTcard]

Chryst looks OK rolling out in this video: https://twitter.com/StanfordFball/status...8619992064

Just happy to see he isn't rolling out using a pair of crutches

Actually, that video sort of reminded me of this clip,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WbervbV903A

Here's to a real miracle recovery for Chryst's knee.

[CTcard]

Chryst looks OK rolling out in this video: https://twitter.com/StanfordFball/status...8619992064

Just happy to see he isn't rolling out using a pair of crutches

Actually, that video sort of reminded me of this clip,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WbervbV903A

Here's to a real miracle recovery for Chryst's knee.

[TreesAndBirds]

http://www.sfgate.com/collegesports/arti...725828.php

[TreesAndBirds]

http://www.sfgate.com/collegesports/arti...725828.php

[fullmetal]

Paxton Segina, a wide receiver from Texas, is also absent from the roster (as is walk-on QB Brent Peus).

Did Paxton drop football...?

[fullmetal]

Paxton Segina, a wide receiver from Texas, is also absent from the roster (as is walk-on QB Brent Peus).

Did Paxton drop football...?

[BobK]

Yes but due to injuries on Paxton

[BobK]

Yes but due to injuries on Paxton

[82lsju]

QB Keller Chryst defies odds with return to Stanford practice

http://www.sfgate.com/collegesports/arti...725828.php

[82lsju]

QB Keller Chryst defies odds with return to Stanford practice

http://www.sfgate.com/collegesports/arti...725828.php

[fullmetal]

Yes but due to injuries on Paxton

Sorry to hear :(  His HS is about 15-20 min up the road.  Someone should convince him to give the rowing team a try.

[fullmetal]

Yes but due to injuries on Paxton

Sorry to hear :(  His HS is about 15-20 min up the road.  Someone should convince him to give the rowing team a try.

[pcgoode]

There has been a fair bit of discussion about our DL in various threads. The gist of the discussion seems to be that we really only have one proven performer, Harrison Phillips, and that he is somewhat on the light side for a DT at 295 pounds. These things are relative though - if you take a look at our schedule, I can't see any proven OL that they will face until November rolls around, and three of the four games in November are at home. Given the strength of our LBs and DBs this season, the concerns expressed about the DL may be overblown.

[pcgoode]

There has been a fair bit of discussion about our DL in various threads. The gist of the discussion seems to be that we really only have one proven performer, Harrison Phillips, and that he is somewhat on the light side for a DT at 295 pounds. These things are relative though - if you take a look at our schedule, I can't see any proven OL that they will face until November rolls around, and three of the four games in November are at home. Given the strength of our LBs and DBs this season, the concerns expressed about the DL may be overblown.

[BobK]

Media available tonight so more news comig soon. 

[BobK]

Media available tonight so more news comig soon. 

[Goose]

There has been a fair bit of discussion about our DL in various threads. The gist of the discussion seems to be that we really only have one proven performer, Harrison Phillips, and that he is somewhat on the light side for a DT at 295 pounds. These things are relative though - if you take a look at our schedule, I can't see any proven OL that they will face until November rolls around, and three of the four games in November are at home. Given the strength of our LBs and DBs this season, the concerns expressed about the DL may be overblown.

One of those teams is Washington, that has a proven OL. I think the concern with the DL is mostly that Harrison Phillips is really the only "proven" DL guy we have. The others all have "potential", but haven't shown really outstanding ability, at least not yet. The LBs and DBs can hold up against "lesser" teams, and maybe win the game for us, assuming the offense is just "average". Against Washington the Stanford Offense probably has to win the game. The defense isn't going to hold them to 6 points. If Phillips gets hurt, all bets are off on what we will have. So maybe the concern isn't so overblown. I am sure the coaches are concerned. I am also sure they aren't in a panic. 

[Goose]

There has been a fair bit of discussion about our DL in various threads. The gist of the discussion seems to be that we really only have one proven performer, Harrison Phillips, and that he is somewhat on the light side for a DT at 295 pounds. These things are relative though - if you take a look at our schedule, I can't see any proven OL that they will face until November rolls around, and three of the four games in November are at home. Given the strength of our LBs and DBs this season, the concerns expressed about the DL may be overblown.

One of those teams is Washington, that has a proven OL. I think the concern with the DL is mostly that Harrison Phillips is really the only "proven" DL guy we have. The others all have "potential", but haven't shown really outstanding ability, at least not yet. The LBs and DBs can hold up against "lesser" teams, and maybe win the game for us, assuming the offense is just "average". Against Washington the Stanford Offense probably has to win the game. The defense isn't going to hold them to 6 points. If Phillips gets hurt, all bets are off on what we will have. So maybe the concern isn't so overblown. I am sure the coaches are concerned. I am also sure they aren't in a panic. 

[socalstanfan1]

I don't want to sound blasé about the DL situation, but particularly with college football, this lack of developed talent is not an unusual situation, and when we have players possessing the talent of Solomon Thomas, who can leave early and be the #3 pick in the NFL draft, the situation will arise more frequently.  (If Thomas was just a little less talented, we might have both Phillips and Thomas back, and we would feel quite differently about this part of the team.)  Our situation with the defensive backs (a tremendous amount of depth, and a good amount of experience) is really the exception. 

Time for one or two DL to step up and develop into at least serviceable, regular players.  This is one of the things that makes college athletics so compelling, IMO.  I have very little doubt that this development will happen, and that the emergence of a couple of DL, along with coaching schemes that make maximum use of a bevy of back seven players will get us through.

[socalstanfan1]

I don't want to sound blasé about the DL situation, but particularly with college football, this lack of developed talent is not an unusual situation, and when we have players possessing the talent of Solomon Thomas, who can leave early and be the #3 pick in the NFL draft, the situation will arise more frequently.  (If Thomas was just a little less talented, we might have both Phillips and Thomas back, and we would feel quite differently about this part of the team.)  Our situation with the defensive backs (a tremendous amount of depth, and a good amount of experience) is really the exception. 

Time for one or two DL to step up and develop into at least serviceable, regular players.  This is one of the things that makes college athletics so compelling, IMO.  I have very little doubt that this development will happen, and that the emergence of a couple of DL, along with coaching schemes that make maximum use of a bevy of back seven players will get us through.

[OutsiderFan]

Still no report on any practices thus far?  Not a single post practice interview with any coach? Is there some sort of media blackout or effort to limit coverage of Stanford football training camp this year? 

Anyway, as for the DL, while watching the Spring Game, aside from Harrison Phillips being the best DL, it sure looked like Eric Cotton was doing pretty well for himself.  You'd have to think Dylan Jackson will be improved as a RS Soph, so the starters are probably going to be sound on the DL.

My disconnect is between what I read reported about Michael Williams and Jovan Swann being impressive, and how little they stood out to my eye watching that Spring Game.  It is imperative that at least 2/3 of Williams, Swann, and Wade-Perry be able to make meaningful contributions for Stanford to be in contention for a Pac-12 championship or more in November.  That would give Stanford 5 DL to rotate, and a solid backup for Phillips.  Given they play a lot of 2 man DL, that should be enough. 

[OutsiderFan]

Still no report on any practices thus far?  Not a single post practice interview with any coach? Is there some sort of media blackout or effort to limit coverage of Stanford football training camp this year? 

Anyway, as for the DL, while watching the Spring Game, aside from Harrison Phillips being the best DL, it sure looked like Eric Cotton was doing pretty well for himself.  You'd have to think Dylan Jackson will be improved as a RS Soph, so the starters are probably going to be sound on the DL.

My disconnect is between what I read reported about Michael Williams and Jovan Swann being impressive, and how little they stood out to my eye watching that Spring Game.  It is imperative that at least 2/3 of Williams, Swann, and Wade-Perry be able to make meaningful contributions for Stanford to be in contention for a Pac-12 championship or more in November.  That would give Stanford 5 DL to rotate, and a solid backup for Phillips.  Given they play a lot of 2 man DL, that should be enough.