[Mick]

[quote author=CTcard link=topic=13989.msg147081#msg147081 date=1449698042]
LG Fanaika* -  Maihen
LT Bright* - Davidson*

*** Returning starter
** Returning back-up with significant starting experience (say because of an injury to a starter)
* Returning back-up

I'd say looking at the above, we look OK.  The biggest questions for me going into the year will be:
Who is the third starting offensive lineman?  Will it be Kaumatule, who has bounced around a lot?  Will it be Watkins, who has mostly been disappointing to date but has been with the program for a while?  Or will it be one of the frosh?
Is Fanaika ready to fill some very big shoes?

Mostly though, the departures, especially on offense, are manageable.  Even in positions where we are losing players, in many cases, it seems like we have experienced backups to fill in the gaps.  I think the biggest losses, in order, are:

2) Josh Garnett - it will be interesting to see how McCaffrey's stats change when he can't just run behind an all-American guard
6) Kyle Murphy - hard to believe that a first team all-Pac-12 left tackle wouldn't be higher on the list, but Bright has acquitted himself well in relief
[/quote]


I am not loving the fact that we lose the entire left side of the line, an All -American guard and an all-conference tackle.  How have Fanaika and Bright done in spot duty?  How big will the fall off be?

[Mick]

[quote author=CTcard link=topic=13989.msg147081#msg147081 date=1449698042]
LG Fanaika* -  Maihen
LT Bright* - Davidson*

*** Returning starter
** Returning back-up with significant starting experience (say because of an injury to a starter)
* Returning back-up

I'd say looking at the above, we look OK.  The biggest questions for me going into the year will be:
Who is the third starting offensive lineman?  Will it be Kaumatule, who has bounced around a lot?  Will it be Watkins, who has mostly been disappointing to date but has been with the program for a while?  Or will it be one of the frosh?
Is Fanaika ready to fill some very big shoes?

Mostly though, the departures, especially on offense, are manageable.  Even in positions where we are losing players, in many cases, it seems like we have experienced backups to fill in the gaps.  I think the biggest losses, in order, are:

2) Josh Garnett - it will be interesting to see how McCaffrey's stats change when he can't just run behind an all-American guard
6) Kyle Murphy - hard to believe that a first team all-Pac-12 left tackle wouldn't be higher on the list, but Bright has acquitted himself well in relief
[/quote]


I am not loving the fact that we lose the entire left side of the line, an All -American guard and an all-conference tackle.  How have Fanaika and Bright done in spot duty?  How big will the fall off be?

[BostonCard]

I am not loving the fact that we lose the entire left side of the line, an All -American guard and an all-conference tackle.  How have Fanaika and Bright done in spot duty?  How big will the fall off be?

Bright came in when Murphy was injured for a half.  To be fair, it was OSU, and I probably could have held my own at LT against them, but I thought he acquitted himself pretty well.  Also, Bright completed the mandatory "jumbo package training for future Stanford offensive linemen" course and I thought he did great.  Again, it's one thing to be the 6th or 7th lineman when we are going to road grade some poor team for a couple yards and quite another to protect a new QB's blind side.  Still, I'm as confident as one could be losing an all-conference left tackle with several years starting experience.

BC

[BostonCard]

I am not loving the fact that we lose the entire left side of the line, an All -American guard and an all-conference tackle.  How have Fanaika and Bright done in spot duty?  How big will the fall off be?

Bright came in when Murphy was injured for a half.  To be fair, it was OSU, and I probably could have held my own at LT against them, but I thought he acquitted himself pretty well.  Also, Bright completed the mandatory "jumbo package training for future Stanford offensive linemen" course and I thought he did great.  Again, it's one thing to be the 6th or 7th lineman when we are going to road grade some poor team for a couple yards and quite another to protect a new QB's blind side.  Still, I'm as confident as one could be losing an all-conference left tackle with several years starting experience.

BC

[OutsiderFan]

Every team has to replace a bunch of key guys every year.  Most teams are very happy to return 3/5 starting OL.

[OutsiderFan]

Every team has to replace a bunch of key guys every year.  Most teams are very happy to return 3/5 starting OL.

[stupac2]

Every team has to replace a bunch of key guys every year.  Most teams are very happy to return 3/5 starting OL.

Especially when the guys behind them have game experience and pedigree. We shouldn't be too worried about the OL. (Then again that was true in 2014 too, and, well...)

[stupac2]

Every team has to replace a bunch of key guys every year.  Most teams are very happy to return 3/5 starting OL.

Especially when the guys behind them have game experience and pedigree. We shouldn't be too worried about the OL. (Then again that was true in 2014 too, and, well...)

[2 for 2028]

[quote author=2 for 2028 link=topic=13989.msg147100#msg147100 date=1449700346]
[quote author=OutsiderFan link=topic=13989.msg147088#msg147088 date=1449698917]
It makes all kinds of sense to move Cotton to DE.  Stanford is very deep at TE, even without Cotton, and Kaden Smith is coming too.  Maybe the coaches told Cotton JJ Watt was recruited as a TE?

After Big Game, Kaumatule tweeted a photo of the all of the D-Line players plus Hart and it included Cotton.
[/quote]


Cotton is behind/between Hart & Shittu, right?  And btw, Luke's arms suggest they belong to a DL.

https://twitter.com/tonganironman/status...7085850624
[/quote]

No, Cotton is not in that picture.  In the 11/25 tweet, Cotton is in front on the right.

[2 for 2028]

[quote author=2 for 2028 link=topic=13989.msg147100#msg147100 date=1449700346]
[quote author=OutsiderFan link=topic=13989.msg147088#msg147088 date=1449698917]
It makes all kinds of sense to move Cotton to DE.  Stanford is very deep at TE, even without Cotton, and Kaden Smith is coming too.  Maybe the coaches told Cotton JJ Watt was recruited as a TE?

After Big Game, Kaumatule tweeted a photo of the all of the D-Line players plus Hart and it included Cotton.
[/quote]


Cotton is behind/between Hart & Shittu, right?  And btw, Luke's arms suggest they belong to a DL.

https://twitter.com/tonganironman/status...7085850624
[/quote]

No, Cotton is not in that picture.  In the 11/25 tweet, Cotton is in front on the right.

[BostonCard]

For what it is worth, ESPN ranks us second on the "optimism power rankings"

http://espn.go.com/blog/pac12/post/_/id/...ms-feeling

Money quote, "Remember … this was supposed to be Stanford’s rebuilding year."

And I agree that Washington probably has more to feel good about than anyone.  I'd have ranked WSU a bit higher, though, and SC a bit lower.

BC

[BostonCard]

For what it is worth, ESPN ranks us second on the "optimism power rankings"

http://espn.go.com/blog/pac12/post/_/id/...ms-feeling

Money quote, "Remember … this was supposed to be Stanford’s rebuilding year."

And I agree that Washington probably has more to feel good about than anyone.  I'd have ranked WSU a bit higher, though, and SC a bit lower.

BC

[Spiny_Norman]

Don't forget the special teams where the placekicker (Ukropina), kickoff kicker (Bailey), punter (Robinson) and holder (Lloyd) all return.  And of course so does the primary kick and punt returner.

Looks like all of the 2016 starters could be returning starters or significant contributors except for one - the brand new QB.

[Spiny_Norman]

Don't forget the special teams where the placekicker (Ukropina), kickoff kicker (Bailey), punter (Robinson) and holder (Lloyd) all return.  And of course so does the primary kick and punt returner.

Looks like all of the 2016 starters could be returning starters or significant contributors except for one - the brand new QB.

[washingtonismoney]

I'd bump Perez to a ** rather than a *. Like him or don't, but he split time with Palma for ... 60% of the season, maybe?

With respect to his actual trajectory, his problems were that:

a) he couldn't recognize situations well
b) he was undersized.

Both of these things can be rectified, particularly when you compare them to Palma's (too slow). So I wouldn't rule Palma out. Though like a classic fan I'm eager to see the Barton and Branch eras (because we haven't seen their flaws).

The defense overall looks solid on the edges (CB + OLB)... and iffy up the middle. Thomas is maybe our best returning player but a lot of question marks behind him at the line. ILB is...a vast void of nothingness at the moment.

Reid flashed at safety so maybe he climbs his growth curve quickly. (That's a maybe I feel good about.) And Lloyd, well, maybe he ascends to competence. (That's a maybe I don't feel good about.) Or maybe Edwards takes a step up. (That's a maybe I have no feel for.) Or maybe we begin the Ulloa era quickly. (That's a maybe I scoff at.)

[washingtonismoney]

I'd bump Perez to a ** rather than a *. Like him or don't, but he split time with Palma for ... 60% of the season, maybe?

With respect to his actual trajectory, his problems were that:

a) he couldn't recognize situations well
b) he was undersized.

Both of these things can be rectified, particularly when you compare them to Palma's (too slow). So I wouldn't rule Palma out. Though like a classic fan I'm eager to see the Barton and Branch eras (because we haven't seen their flaws).

The defense overall looks solid on the edges (CB + OLB)... and iffy up the middle. Thomas is maybe our best returning player but a lot of question marks behind him at the line. ILB is...a vast void of nothingness at the moment.

Reid flashed at safety so maybe he climbs his growth curve quickly. (That's a maybe I feel good about.) And Lloyd, well, maybe he ascends to competence. (That's a maybe I don't feel good about.) Or maybe Edwards takes a step up. (That's a maybe I have no feel for.) Or maybe we begin the Ulloa era quickly. (That's a maybe I scoff at.)

[amartinsu13]

Isn't Ulloa taking a mission? 

I just assume everyone out of Utah takes a mission.

[amartinsu13]

Isn't Ulloa taking a mission? 

I just assume everyone out of Utah takes a mission.

[washingtonismoney]

Isn't Ulloa taking a mission? 

I just assume everyone out of Utah takes a mission.

1) No.
2) He's not from Utah -- he's from L.A.

[washingtonismoney]

Isn't Ulloa taking a mission? 

I just assume everyone out of Utah takes a mission.

1) No.
2) He's not from Utah -- he's from L.A.

[Extra Point]

I'd bump Perez to a ** rather than a *. Like him or don't, but he split time with Palma for ... 60% of the season, maybe?

With respect to his actual trajectory, his problems were that:

a) he couldn't recognize situations well
b) he was undersized.

Both of these things can be rectified, particularly when you compare them to Palma's (too slow). So I wouldn't rule Palma out. Though like a classic fan I'm eager to see the Barton and Branch eras (because we haven't seen their flaws).

The defense overall looks solid on the edges (CB + OLB)... and iffy up the middle. Thomas is maybe our best returning player but a lot of question marks behind him at the line. ILB is...a vast void of nothingness at the moment.

Reid flashed at safety so maybe he climbs his growth curve quickly. (That's a maybe I feel good about.) And Lloyd, well, maybe he ascends to competence. (That's a maybe I don't feel good about.) Or maybe Edwards takes a step up. (That's a maybe I have no feel for.) Or maybe we begin the Ulloa era quickly. (That's a maybe I scoff at.)

It was not that long ago that people on this board were criticizing the ability of Richard Sherman. Good thing the coaches saw what we didn't!

Has anyone here actually played corner back or safety by the way?

[Extra Point]

I'd bump Perez to a ** rather than a *. Like him or don't, but he split time with Palma for ... 60% of the season, maybe?

With respect to his actual trajectory, his problems were that:

a) he couldn't recognize situations well
b) he was undersized.

Both of these things can be rectified, particularly when you compare them to Palma's (too slow). So I wouldn't rule Palma out. Though like a classic fan I'm eager to see the Barton and Branch eras (because we haven't seen their flaws).

The defense overall looks solid on the edges (CB + OLB)... and iffy up the middle. Thomas is maybe our best returning player but a lot of question marks behind him at the line. ILB is...a vast void of nothingness at the moment.

Reid flashed at safety so maybe he climbs his growth curve quickly. (That's a maybe I feel good about.) And Lloyd, well, maybe he ascends to competence. (That's a maybe I don't feel good about.) Or maybe Edwards takes a step up. (That's a maybe I have no feel for.) Or maybe we begin the Ulloa era quickly. (That's a maybe I scoff at.)

It was not that long ago that people on this board were criticizing the ability of Richard Sherman. Good thing the coaches saw what we didn't!

Has anyone here actually played corner back or safety by the way?

[dabigv13]

I used to play safety (in 8th grade....)

[dabigv13]

I used to play safety (in 8th grade....)

[stupac2]

It was not that long ago that people on this board were criticizing the ability of Richard Sherman. Good thing the coaches saw what we didn't!

Has anyone here actually played corner back or safety by the way?

Well, wasn't Sherman not exactly a Thorpe Award candidate in his time at Stanford? There's a reason he wasn't a high draft pick, and Carroll is a good DB coach so it's not surprising he was able to develop someone who was fairly raw.

And I think Hulk played DB.

[stupac2]

It was not that long ago that people on this board were criticizing the ability of Richard Sherman. Good thing the coaches saw what we didn't!

Has anyone here actually played corner back or safety by the way?

Well, wasn't Sherman not exactly a Thorpe Award candidate in his time at Stanford? There's a reason he wasn't a high draft pick, and Carroll is a good DB coach so it's not surprising he was able to develop someone who was fairly raw.

And I think Hulk played DB.

[amartinsu13]

[quote author=amartinsu13 link=topic=13989.msg147157#msg147157 date=1449712755]
Isn't Ulloa taking a mission? 

I just assume everyone out of Utah takes a mission.

1) No.
2) He's not from Utah -- he's from L.A.
[/quote]

Well, I'm an idiot.

[amartinsu13]

[quote author=amartinsu13 link=topic=13989.msg147157#msg147157 date=1449712755]
Isn't Ulloa taking a mission? 

I just assume everyone out of Utah takes a mission.

1) No.
2) He's not from Utah -- he's from L.A.
[/quote]

Well, I'm an idiot.

[Rally]

I used to play safety (in 8th grade....)

I was a safety crossing guard in 6th grade.  Does that count?  I had an armband and everything.

[Rally]

I used to play safety (in 8th grade....)

I was a safety crossing guard in 6th grade.  Does that count?  I had an armband and everything.

[Redrum]

Seems like the assumption is that when he's back he'll go back to NT.  He only played NT because we lost the other possible players.  He manned up and did well, but...he came in as a DE and that might be where he could have the most impact.  My spidey sense says it's back to the coal mines at the nose. 

[Redrum]

Seems like the assumption is that when he's back he'll go back to NT.  He only played NT because we lost the other possible players.  He manned up and did well, but...he came in as a DE and that might be where he could have the most impact.  My spidey sense says it's back to the coal mines at the nose. 

[CompSci87]

[quote author=Extra Point link=topic=13989.msg147165#msg147165 date=1449715203]It was not that long ago that people on this board were criticizing the ability of Richard Sherman. Good thing the coaches saw what we didn't!

Has anyone here actually played corner back or safety by the way?

Well, wasn't Sherman not exactly a Thorpe Award candidate in his time at Stanford? There's a reason he wasn't a high draft pick, and Carroll is a good DB coach so it's not surprising he was able to develop someone who was fairly raw.

And I think Hulk played DB.
[/quote]

Sherman had a few plays where he looked comically bad his first year at CB after moving from offense. I remember him doing a 360 once or twice after being fooled by a receiver's move. I think memories like that tended to stick with Stanford fans even though he played very well as a senior.

[CompSci87]

[quote author=Extra Point link=topic=13989.msg147165#msg147165 date=1449715203]It was not that long ago that people on this board were criticizing the ability of Richard Sherman. Good thing the coaches saw what we didn't!

Has anyone here actually played corner back or safety by the way?

Well, wasn't Sherman not exactly a Thorpe Award candidate in his time at Stanford? There's a reason he wasn't a high draft pick, and Carroll is a good DB coach so it's not surprising he was able to develop someone who was fairly raw.

And I think Hulk played DB.
[/quote]

Sherman had a few plays where he looked comically bad his first year at CB after moving from offense. I remember him doing a 360 once or twice after being fooled by a receiver's move. I think memories like that tended to stick with Stanford fans even though he played very well as a senior.

[indiancardinal]

I hope Lance Anderson stays put. He is critical to our program...

[indiancardinal]

I hope Lance Anderson stays put. He is critical to our program...

[Hulk01]

Played safety, yes. 

Recruited by Mike Riley's old school. They sent me workout plans over the summer, via American Express, to my outposts in Europe that summer. 

I chuckled, actually, sitting there in the sun on a Spanish beach, wondering how they could possibly think that I could ever play college football.  I watched several of their games from the sideline, and knew I couldn't do it--and I couldn't even try, and still hope to do the coursework. 

Did play some fill-in college golf my first year, but that wasn't easy, either, off of not more than two hours of practice a week.

[Hulk01]

Played safety, yes. 

Recruited by Mike Riley's old school. They sent me workout plans over the summer, via American Express, to my outposts in Europe that summer. 

I chuckled, actually, sitting there in the sun on a Spanish beach, wondering how they could possibly think that I could ever play college football.  I watched several of their games from the sideline, and knew I couldn't do it--and I couldn't even try, and still hope to do the coursework. 

Did play some fill-in college golf my first year, but that wasn't easy, either, off of not more than two hours of practice a week.

[socalstanfan1]

Like everyone, I'm interested in projecting where we will be in September, 2016.  But I'm sure we will start to really get an idea during the Rose Bowl practices and Spring ball.  Nobody has mentioned some of the other highly regarded safeties we have recruited in the recent past (Buncom, Simmons) or some of the LBs (Sean Barton).  We will get an idea if any of these guys can step up and play a role in the defense in the next 5 months of so.  We always seem to focus on the players from the most recent class, or the upcoming class.  But Hogan was an afterthought until August of the year he eventually started, which should be a good reminder to just see how players develop over the course of an offseason.

I'm pretty confident that we will fill all the holes on defense, and on the O-line.  The only big question mark in my mind is at QB where it is basically impossible to replace Hogan's experience, both in games played, and particularly in big games (bowl games, championship games, and games vs. Oregon, especially). Anyone who comes in will need some time to grow into that role.

[socalstanfan1]

Like everyone, I'm interested in projecting where we will be in September, 2016.  But I'm sure we will start to really get an idea during the Rose Bowl practices and Spring ball.  Nobody has mentioned some of the other highly regarded safeties we have recruited in the recent past (Buncom, Simmons) or some of the LBs (Sean Barton).  We will get an idea if any of these guys can step up and play a role in the defense in the next 5 months of so.  We always seem to focus on the players from the most recent class, or the upcoming class.  But Hogan was an afterthought until August of the year he eventually started, which should be a good reminder to just see how players develop over the course of an offseason.

I'm pretty confident that we will fill all the holes on defense, and on the O-line.  The only big question mark in my mind is at QB where it is basically impossible to replace Hogan's experience, both in games played, and particularly in big games (bowl games, championship games, and games vs. Oregon, especially). Anyone who comes in will need some time to grow into that role.