[OutsiderFan]

I know we're loaded at OLB, but I think we're less loaded at the two DE spots, so I do think we'd focus on him at that position, especially with two TEs (Cotton and Taboada) already committed, with us in the lead for a third (Smythe). 4 TEs in a class of 15 or so is a little crazy, after all.

I think Stanford is pretty set at DE too.  In 2013:

Sr. Gardner
Jr. Anderson
Jr. Mauro
Jr. Hopkins
Jr. Salem
So. Shittu
Fr. Watkins
Fr. Lohn

And from all appearances Stanford is going to have a very solid 2014 DE class.  Scout shows Stanford in the running for its #1, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7th rated DEs in the country, and it seems Stanford is the heavy favorite for current #6 Nifae Lealao.

As for too many TEs, you have to be kidding, right?  I mean how did Stanford go wrong when they signed Ertz, Toilolo, Hewitt, and Najvar in the same class?  I'd feel fairly confident saying Smythe and Cotton would stay at TE for sure, but both Taboada and Hooper could make their way to defense.

Stanford has trouble loading up on the WR/DB-type athletes, but it can load up on jumbo athletes to make up the difference.  Get them on campus and then figure out where to play them.  Hooper would have to put on more weight to be a DE, but already is plenty big enough for OLB duty.

BTW, just read California is recruiting Hooper as an athlete.  They like him at TE, but he would likely be earmarked to DE with California switching to a 4-3 defense under Andy Buh.

[OutsiderFan]

I know we're loaded at OLB, but I think we're less loaded at the two DE spots, so I do think we'd focus on him at that position, especially with two TEs (Cotton and Taboada) already committed, with us in the lead for a third (Smythe). 4 TEs in a class of 15 or so is a little crazy, after all.

I think Stanford is pretty set at DE too.  In 2013:

Sr. Gardner
Jr. Anderson
Jr. Mauro
Jr. Hopkins
Jr. Salem
So. Shittu
Fr. Watkins
Fr. Lohn

And from all appearances Stanford is going to have a very solid 2014 DE class.  Scout shows Stanford in the running for its #1, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7th rated DEs in the country, and it seems Stanford is the heavy favorite for current #6 Nifae Lealao.

As for too many TEs, you have to be kidding, right?  I mean how did Stanford go wrong when they signed Ertz, Toilolo, Hewitt, and Najvar in the same class?  I'd feel fairly confident saying Smythe and Cotton would stay at TE for sure, but both Taboada and Hooper could make their way to defense.

Stanford has trouble loading up on the WR/DB-type athletes, but it can load up on jumbo athletes to make up the difference.  Get them on campus and then figure out where to play them.  Hooper would have to put on more weight to be a DE, but already is plenty big enough for OLB duty.

BTW, just read California is recruiting Hooper as an athlete.  They like him at TE, but he would likely be earmarked to DE with California switching to a 4-3 defense under Andy Buh.