[CTcard]

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). 

Well, given the closed practices, during bowl-prep time the coaching staff will start getting a better idea of a projected status for fall 2016, but we won't outside of the Kremlinology of coaches' statements. Spring ball is a little different as there are typically at least a couple of open practices/scrimmages and number of reps there has often been a reasonable indication of current status.

And I think if you look above you will see Buncom, Simmons, and Barton all listed on the guess-work two-deeps.

[CTcard]

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). 

Well, given the closed practices, during bowl-prep time the coaching staff will start getting a better idea of a projected status for fall 2016, but we won't outside of the Kremlinology of coaches' statements. Spring ball is a little different as there are typically at least a couple of open practices/scrimmages and number of reps there has often been a reasonable indication of current status.

And I think if you look above you will see Buncom, Simmons, and Barton all listed on the guess-work two-deeps.

[djones]

He and Solomon will bracket Phillips on the D-Line

[djones]

He and Solomon will bracket Phillips on the D-Line

[OutsiderFan]

Someone said the DL will be problematic in 2016 as well. Will it really?

At this point, we can project 2016 somewhat as follows (these guys can be a bit interchangeable) :

DE:  So. Thomas, Sr. Kaumatule, Sr. Watkins, Sr. Lohn, RFr. Jackson
NT: So. Phillips, RFr. Annan, TFr. Williams (I'm convinced Williams plays as a true Frosh)

That's 8 guys, not including Swann and Peek.  In 2015 Stanford only had really 6 guys (Shittu, Scarlett, Phillips, Thomas, Lohn, Watkins)

Thomas - Looking like a budding star
Phillips - 11 months to recover from ACL should be plenty of time and he'll be fine
Kaumatule - Having a whole year to get ready for DE should help*
Lohn - A pure depth DE who hasn't been a clear weak link when on the field
Watkins - Seems ready to finally step up; had a nice hit on Kessler in the CG (called roughing but was tacky tack)*
Jackson - Have read reports of Anderson really being pleased with him, will hear more in next couple weeks
Annan - Haven't heard much of him, but he's the biggest DL on the roster
Williams - I love this guy's video and feel he will be Stanford's best interior DL since Parry

Others possible:  Peek, Schafer, Swann, Cotton

* Stanford seems to have a pretty good history of Seniors stepping up to perform when needed

If all these guys are healthy (I know, a big if), Stanford could have 12 scholarship DL bodies practicing in Summer camp and potentially available in 2016.  It seems reasonable to think 8 get regular playing time.  There were only 9 available bodies period in Summer 2015, and most of the year Stanford played just 3 DL most of games.  So it seems to me the 2016 DL might even be characterized as deep.

[OutsiderFan]

Someone said the DL will be problematic in 2016 as well. Will it really?

At this point, we can project 2016 somewhat as follows (these guys can be a bit interchangeable) :

DE:  So. Thomas, Sr. Kaumatule, Sr. Watkins, Sr. Lohn, RFr. Jackson
NT: So. Phillips, RFr. Annan, TFr. Williams (I'm convinced Williams plays as a true Frosh)

That's 8 guys, not including Swann and Peek.  In 2015 Stanford only had really 6 guys (Shittu, Scarlett, Phillips, Thomas, Lohn, Watkins)

Thomas - Looking like a budding star
Phillips - 11 months to recover from ACL should be plenty of time and he'll be fine
Kaumatule - Having a whole year to get ready for DE should help*
Lohn - A pure depth DE who hasn't been a clear weak link when on the field
Watkins - Seems ready to finally step up; had a nice hit on Kessler in the CG (called roughing but was tacky tack)*
Jackson - Have read reports of Anderson really being pleased with him, will hear more in next couple weeks
Annan - Haven't heard much of him, but he's the biggest DL on the roster
Williams - I love this guy's video and feel he will be Stanford's best interior DL since Parry

Others possible:  Peek, Schafer, Swann, Cotton

* Stanford seems to have a pretty good history of Seniors stepping up to perform when needed

If all these guys are healthy (I know, a big if), Stanford could have 12 scholarship DL bodies practicing in Summer camp and potentially available in 2016.  It seems reasonable to think 8 get regular playing time.  There were only 9 available bodies period in Summer 2015, and most of the year Stanford played just 3 DL most of games.  So it seems to me the 2016 DL might even be characterized as deep.

[stupac2]

So it seems to me the 2016 DL might even be characterized as deep.

If everything breaks right, players develop well, and no one gets hurt, sure. But no one was expecting Nwafor to retire, and it's pretty easy to imagine us having far fewer problems if he were around and healthy these past couple years. You never know what will happen, and reading through your optimistic case it just seems like a lot of things have to go our way for DL to be a strength. I don't think it's unreasonable to say that it's likely to be a weakness, but there's some upside there.

[stupac2]

So it seems to me the 2016 DL might even be characterized as deep.

If everything breaks right, players develop well, and no one gets hurt, sure. But no one was expecting Nwafor to retire, and it's pretty easy to imagine us having far fewer problems if he were around and healthy these past couple years. You never know what will happen, and reading through your optimistic case it just seems like a lot of things have to go our way for DL to be a strength. I don't think it's unreasonable to say that it's likely to be a weakness, but there's some upside there.

[washingtonismoney]

There was some positive chatter about Annan in fall. (provided things work out well in the Turley end...)

[washingtonismoney]

There was some positive chatter about Annan in fall. (provided things work out well in the Turley end...)

[Stymie]

I don't worry about QB.  Hogan was no Luck, and even still isn't, although he got better year after year.  Chyst/BurnsCostello are no Hogans, but they are all talented and at least one of then will prove to have more potential to become a better Luck than was Hogan, IMO.  We have a better and deeper team now than Luck ever had, and if we lose momentum next year, I doubt it will be the QB's fault (whoever he is).

[Stymie]

I don't worry about QB.  Hogan was no Luck, and even still isn't, although he got better year after year.  Chyst/BurnsCostello are no Hogans, but they are all talented and at least one of then will prove to have more potential to become a better Luck than was Hogan, IMO.  We have a better and deeper team now than Luck ever had, and if we lose momentum next year, I doubt it will be the QB's fault (whoever he is).

[amartinsu13]

I don't worry about QB.  Hogan was no Luck, and even still isn't, although he got better year after year.  Chyst/BurnsCostello are no Hogans, but they are all talented and at least one of then will prove to have more potential to become a better Luck than was Hogan, IMO.  We have a better and deeper team now than Luck ever had, and if we lose momentum next year, I doubt it will be the QB's fault (whoever he is).

"We have a better and deeper team now than Luck ever had, and if we lose momentum next year, I doubt it will be the QB's fault"

If we have a better and deeper team next year, which I agree we will, it would most likely be the QBs fault that we regress.  If you do believe the rest of the team is better and deeper.

[amartinsu13]

I don't worry about QB.  Hogan was no Luck, and even still isn't, although he got better year after year.  Chyst/BurnsCostello are no Hogans, but they are all talented and at least one of then will prove to have more potential to become a better Luck than was Hogan, IMO.  We have a better and deeper team now than Luck ever had, and if we lose momentum next year, I doubt it will be the QB's fault (whoever he is).

"We have a better and deeper team now than Luck ever had, and if we lose momentum next year, I doubt it will be the QB's fault"

If we have a better and deeper team next year, which I agree we will, it would most likely be the QBs fault that we regress.  If you do believe the rest of the team is better and deeper.

[amartinsu13]

I'm getting excited looking at the projections in this thread. 

CBs are going to be better, good depth at LB, more depth at DLine. 

OLine should maintain, good skill players, best TEs in the nation, amazing RB group.

The one big question is QB.  And it's only a question because we really don't know what Burns or Chryst is like.  For all we know, they could be the next Luck.  Or the next Nunes. 

Excited for spring ball!

[amartinsu13]

I'm getting excited looking at the projections in this thread. 

CBs are going to be better, good depth at LB, more depth at DLine. 

OLine should maintain, good skill players, best TEs in the nation, amazing RB group.

The one big question is QB.  And it's only a question because we really don't know what Burns or Chryst is like.  For all we know, they could be the next Luck.  Or the next Nunes. 

Excited for spring ball!

[stupac2]

"We have a better and deeper team now than Luck ever had, and if we lose momentum next year, I doubt it will be the QB's fault"

If we have a better and deeper team next year, which I agree we will, it would most likely be the QBs fault that we regress.  If you do believe the rest of the team is better and deeper.

Well, yes and no. A big part of why we expect improvement is that:

1) The defense should be a lot better.
2) The running game should be no worse.
3) The passing game and QB rushing will likely decline, but not a lot.

Any of those things can go wrong without it really being the QBs fault. Our run game sucked last year with Hogan, but it wasn't his fault our OL played like hot garbage for a bunch of the year. If that recurs then we're sunk. Similarly, we got by this year with a middling defense because our offense was elite, but if the offense goes back to the 2013 level of "good, not elite" then the defense needs to step up. If it doesn't, which would be no fault of the QB, then we have a problem.

The way our scheme is designed we should be able to be an elite team with merely competent QB play. But it requires a good, coherent OL and a capable defense. If it's missing either of those latter things then we need more than competent QB play. So it goes both ways.

[stupac2]

"We have a better and deeper team now than Luck ever had, and if we lose momentum next year, I doubt it will be the QB's fault"

If we have a better and deeper team next year, which I agree we will, it would most likely be the QBs fault that we regress.  If you do believe the rest of the team is better and deeper.

Well, yes and no. A big part of why we expect improvement is that:

1) The defense should be a lot better.
2) The running game should be no worse.
3) The passing game and QB rushing will likely decline, but not a lot.

Any of those things can go wrong without it really being the QBs fault. Our run game sucked last year with Hogan, but it wasn't his fault our OL played like hot garbage for a bunch of the year. If that recurs then we're sunk. Similarly, we got by this year with a middling defense because our offense was elite, but if the offense goes back to the 2013 level of "good, not elite" then the defense needs to step up. If it doesn't, which would be no fault of the QB, then we have a problem.

The way our scheme is designed we should be able to be an elite team with merely competent QB play. But it requires a good, coherent OL and a capable defense. If it's missing either of those latter things then we need more than competent QB play. So it goes both ways.

[martyup]

With regards to our linebackers, we can build their size and strength and they can become more situationally aware with more snaps.  However, a linebacker must not be afraid of contact.  He must crave it.  A linebacker must play downhill and beat blockers to get to the ball carrier. 

A certain second string linebacker on our team (which I will not name) seems to avoid contact with blockers.  He takes routes around blockers that causes big holes to open for runners.  He also often waits on blockers to close the gap to him rather than moving towards to ball and attempting to beat the block.  He's been scouted and I've noticed that when he is in the game the opponents run right at him.

It boils down to aggressiveness.  Linebackers must be aggressive to be effective.  They've got to play like their ass is on fire.  You see this with Martinez, Skov, and Thomas.  This is something that is hard to teach.  If a player is not showing it as a second stringer when he gets into the game, I doubt he will as a starter.

[martyup]

With regards to our linebackers, we can build their size and strength and they can become more situationally aware with more snaps.  However, a linebacker must not be afraid of contact.  He must crave it.  A linebacker must play downhill and beat blockers to get to the ball carrier. 

A certain second string linebacker on our team (which I will not name) seems to avoid contact with blockers.  He takes routes around blockers that causes big holes to open for runners.  He also often waits on blockers to close the gap to him rather than moving towards to ball and attempting to beat the block.  He's been scouted and I've noticed that when he is in the game the opponents run right at him.

It boils down to aggressiveness.  Linebackers must be aggressive to be effective.  They've got to play like their ass is on fire.  You see this with Martinez, Skov, and Thomas.  This is something that is hard to teach.  If a player is not showing it as a second stringer when he gets into the game, I doubt he will as a starter.

[amartinsu13]

With regards to our linebackers, we can build their size and strength and they can become more situationally aware with more snaps.  However, a linebacker must not be afraid of contact.  He must crave it.  A linebacker must play downhill and beat blockers to get to the ball carrier. 

A certain second string linebacker on our team (which I will not name) seems to avoid contact with blockers.  He takes routes around blockers that causes big holes to open for runners.  He also often waits on blockers to close the gap to him rather than moving towards to ball and attempting to beat the block.  He's been scouted and I've noticed that when he is in the game the opponents run right at him.

It boils down to aggressiveness.  Linebackers must be aggressive to be effective.  They've got to play like their ass is on fire.  You see this with Martinez, Skov, and Thomas.  This is something that is hard to teach.  If a player is not showing it as a second stringer when he gets into the game, I doubt he will as a starter.

Well if that's true, and the coaches see what you see, he won't be a starter. 

We have plenty of depth at LB.  I'm excited for some of the younger guys like Branch and Barton.

[amartinsu13]

With regards to our linebackers, we can build their size and strength and they can become more situationally aware with more snaps.  However, a linebacker must not be afraid of contact.  He must crave it.  A linebacker must play downhill and beat blockers to get to the ball carrier. 

A certain second string linebacker on our team (which I will not name) seems to avoid contact with blockers.  He takes routes around blockers that causes big holes to open for runners.  He also often waits on blockers to close the gap to him rather than moving towards to ball and attempting to beat the block.  He's been scouted and I've noticed that when he is in the game the opponents run right at him.

It boils down to aggressiveness.  Linebackers must be aggressive to be effective.  They've got to play like their ass is on fire.  You see this with Martinez, Skov, and Thomas.  This is something that is hard to teach.  If a player is not showing it as a second stringer when he gets into the game, I doubt he will as a starter.

Well if that's true, and the coaches see what you see, he won't be a starter. 

We have plenty of depth at LB.  I'm excited for some of the younger guys like Branch and Barton.

[needle]

I think people are underestimating the loss of Garnett and Murphy, not to mention the loss of Wright as a short-yardage runner. The running game will almost certainly not be as good next year, imo.

I believe that the possibility of improved secondary play is very real, but that will not matter very much unless Stanford at the very least maintains the pass rush it's been getting this year with smallish-but-quick DL's and Martinez on the blitz. Not a given.

It's impossible for me to predict the offense next year will be as productive as this year, while I personally think the defense may unfortunately take a step backwards unless some big-time talent emerges among the front seven.

[needle]

I think people are underestimating the loss of Garnett and Murphy, not to mention the loss of Wright as a short-yardage runner. The running game will almost certainly not be as good next year, imo.

I believe that the possibility of improved secondary play is very real, but that will not matter very much unless Stanford at the very least maintains the pass rush it's been getting this year with smallish-but-quick DL's and Martinez on the blitz. Not a given.

It's impossible for me to predict the offense next year will be as productive as this year, while I personally think the defense may unfortunately take a step backwards unless some big-time talent emerges among the front seven.

[washingtonismoney]

We have plenty of depth at LB.  I'm excited for some of the younger guys like Branch and Barton.

We have plenty of names at ILB. We have virtually no proven players there.

[washingtonismoney]

We have plenty of depth at LB.  I'm excited for some of the younger guys like Branch and Barton.

We have plenty of names at ILB. We have virtually no proven players there.

[washingtonismoney]

I believe that the possibility of improved secondary play is very real, but that will not matter very much unless Stanford at the very least maintains the pass rush it's been getting this year with smallish-but-quick DL's and Martinez on the blitz. Not a given.

We had a pass rush this year?

[washingtonismoney]

I believe that the possibility of improved secondary play is very real, but that will not matter very much unless Stanford at the very least maintains the pass rush it's been getting this year with smallish-but-quick DL's and Martinez on the blitz. Not a given.

We had a pass rush this year?

[OutsiderFan]

Chryst has a quicker release than Hogan.  The big question will be his decision-making and throwing accuracy.  Secondarily, how  he runs.  He will have great TEs and pass catching RBs, a solid run game to help him out, and probably good pass protection.  All the ingredients a QB needs to be successful will surround him.  And I can't help but think being the son of an NFL QB coach is going to hurt either.

Right now, I'd call it Stanford, Oregon, or Washington for the North in 2016. 

[OutsiderFan]

Chryst has a quicker release than Hogan.  The big question will be his decision-making and throwing accuracy.  Secondarily, how  he runs.  He will have great TEs and pass catching RBs, a solid run game to help him out, and probably good pass protection.  All the ingredients a QB needs to be successful will surround him.  And I can't help but think being the son of an NFL QB coach is going to hurt either.

Right now, I'd call it Stanford, Oregon, or Washington for the North in 2016. 

[CTcard]

The big question will be his decision-making and throwing accuracy.  Secondarily, how  he runs.

You write that as if it is a small thing.

The big question for every quarterback everywhere is their decision making and accuracy, secondarily their ability to move (if not necessarily run).
We really know nothing about what we will get there - bad or good.

[CTcard]

The big question will be his decision-making and throwing accuracy.  Secondarily, how  he runs.

You write that as if it is a small thing.

The big question for every quarterback everywhere is their decision making and accuracy, secondarily their ability to move (if not necessarily run).
We really know nothing about what we will get there - bad or good.

[Hurlburt88]

I think we know physically that he is strong & reasonably fast . . . so I am optimistic on the "how he runs" front.  Time will tell! 

[Hurlburt88]

I think we know physically that he is strong & reasonably fast . . . so I am optimistic on the "how he runs" front.  Time will tell! 

[czaja]

I think we know physically that he is strong & reasonably fast . . . so I am optimistic on the "how he runs" front.  Time will tell!

He did have a very nice TD run that was called back early this year (UCF, I think).  I'm not too worried about how he runs since I view a QB that can run in our offense as gravy.  I care much more about 1) decision making (correct and timely) and 2) passing accuracy.  I haven't seen enough of any of our backups to have strong feelings either way on these traits.

More generally, I do worry a bit about our o-line next year with the turnover there.  We'll see!

[czaja]

I think we know physically that he is strong & reasonably fast . . . so I am optimistic on the "how he runs" front.  Time will tell!

He did have a very nice TD run that was called back early this year (UCF, I think).  I'm not too worried about how he runs since I view a QB that can run in our offense as gravy.  I care much more about 1) decision making (correct and timely) and 2) passing accuracy.  I haven't seen enough of any of our backups to have strong feelings either way on these traits.

More generally, I do worry a bit about our o-line next year with the turnover there.  We'll see!

[OutsiderFan]

[quote author=OutsiderFan link=topic=13989.msg147300#msg147300 date=1449773649]
The big question will be his decision-making and throwing accuracy.  Secondarily, how  he runs.

You write that as if it is a small thing.

The big question for every quarterback everywhere is their decision making and accuracy, secondarily their ability to move (if not necessarily run).
We really know nothing about what we will get there - bad or good.
[/quote]

My point was based on the part you deleted; that he has a quicker release than Hogan.  So he may not be able to make decisions as well as Hogan, but he may be able to make throws Hogan couldn't make based on his quicker release.  As good as Hogan is, he hesitates a lot and misses some open windows.  This is why I question how he translates to the NFL.  Guys aren't open as long at the next level.

[OutsiderFan]

[quote author=OutsiderFan link=topic=13989.msg147300#msg147300 date=1449773649]
The big question will be his decision-making and throwing accuracy.  Secondarily, how  he runs.

You write that as if it is a small thing.

The big question for every quarterback everywhere is their decision making and accuracy, secondarily their ability to move (if not necessarily run).
We really know nothing about what we will get there - bad or good.
[/quote]

My point was based on the part you deleted; that he has a quicker release than Hogan.  So he may not be able to make decisions as well as Hogan, but he may be able to make throws Hogan couldn't make based on his quicker release.  As good as Hogan is, he hesitates a lot and misses some open windows.  This is why I question how he translates to the NFL.  Guys aren't open as long at the next level.

[Spiny_Norman]

I think we know physically that he is strong & reasonably fast . . . so I am optimistic on the "how he runs" front.  Time will tell!

We also know that Chryst can block:
https://www.facebook.com/stanfordfootbal...983009739/

[Spiny_Norman]

I think we know physically that he is strong & reasonably fast . . . so I am optimistic on the "how he runs" front.  Time will tell!

We also know that Chryst can block:
https://www.facebook.com/stanfordfootbal...983009739/