[Hank 91]

Hello, everyone. A week from today (Thursday the 27th) I'll be at Pac-12 Media Day, and I anticipate having some time to speak with Coach Shaw as well as Bryce Love and Harrison Phillips. (Considering the carnage over at ESPN, I might have LOTS of time. No layoffs yet at GMC.) I already have lots of things in mind to ask them (I really want his thoughts on our downfield passing game), but I'm looking for some help. If you've got a question you'd like me to ask, drop it on this thread and I'll try to work it in. Can't wait.

[Hank 91]

Hello, everyone. A week from today (Thursday the 27th) I'll be at Pac-12 Media Day, and I anticipate having some time to speak with Coach Shaw as well as Bryce Love and Harrison Phillips. (Considering the carnage over at ESPN, I might have LOTS of time. No layoffs yet at GMC.) I already have lots of things in mind to ask them (I really want his thoughts on our downfield passing game), but I'm looking for some help. If you've got a question you'd like me to ask, drop it on this thread and I'll try to work it in. Can't wait.

[rudruff]

"Why hasn't Davis Mills been named the starter yet?"

Please wear a tinfoil hat when asking.

[rudruff]

"Why hasn't Davis Mills been named the starter yet?"

Please wear a tinfoil hat when asking.

[washingtonismoney]

(Considering the carnage over at ESPN, I might have LOTS of time. No layoffs yet at GMC.)

Well, at least until Boss Hank informs Worker Hank he needs to pivot to video.

[washingtonismoney]

(Considering the carnage over at ESPN, I might have LOTS of time. No layoffs yet at GMC.)

Well, at least until Boss Hank informs Worker Hank he needs to pivot to video.

[Papa John]

Along the lines of what rudruff asked, I'd like to know about immediate contributors from the incoming freshman class--who are they and how will they contribute? Everyone's talking about Little and Sarell, which is fine, but I'm really interested in 2017 roles for the other standouts, like Parkinson, OSB, Wedington, Adebo, Johnson, etc.

[Papa John]

Along the lines of what rudruff asked, I'd like to know about immediate contributors from the incoming freshman class--who are they and how will they contribute? Everyone's talking about Little and Sarell, which is fine, but I'm really interested in 2017 roles for the other standouts, like Parkinson, OSB, Wedington, Adebo, Johnson, etc.

[fullmetal]

Likelihood of seeing Little/Sarell on the field as Ogres?  As starting tackles?  As, I dunno, fullbacks?  (Can they please use the threat of starting the true frosh to motivate everyone up the line??)

How have the OL chemistry issues of the past few years led to changes/improvements in the way the OL staff are approaching this season?  Specific changes?  There was renewed emphasis on the pin-pull philosophy in the 2015 season--is Stanford sticking with that?

Compare/contrast Diron Reynolds to Randy Hart.

How is the QB coaching staff approaching the task of getting Burns, Chryst, and Costello ready for the season?  What challenges did the QB staff have with coaching Burns last season, and given that Chryst didn't blow everyone away, what is the QB coaching staff changing from last season to improve both Burns and Chryst?  Will Costello get meaningful snaps even if another QB clearly distinguishes himself as a starter?

What's Shaw's opinion of playing a game in Sydney versus Houston?

Is Shannon Turley making any changes to his approach given the increased injury incidence rate last season?  How have the incoming freshmen taken to their first summer of college conditioning?  (I assume they all got their marching orders after HS graduation.)  Is each class of recruits coming in equally fit, or have there been improvements year over year?

Similarly, is each class of recruits coming in more and more prepared w.r.t. playbook familiarity?  What is Stanford doing to help the incoming frosh digest the playbook better before training camp?

And a million more...

[fullmetal]

Likelihood of seeing Little/Sarell on the field as Ogres?  As starting tackles?  As, I dunno, fullbacks?  (Can they please use the threat of starting the true frosh to motivate everyone up the line??)

How have the OL chemistry issues of the past few years led to changes/improvements in the way the OL staff are approaching this season?  Specific changes?  There was renewed emphasis on the pin-pull philosophy in the 2015 season--is Stanford sticking with that?

Compare/contrast Diron Reynolds to Randy Hart.

How is the QB coaching staff approaching the task of getting Burns, Chryst, and Costello ready for the season?  What challenges did the QB staff have with coaching Burns last season, and given that Chryst didn't blow everyone away, what is the QB coaching staff changing from last season to improve both Burns and Chryst?  Will Costello get meaningful snaps even if another QB clearly distinguishes himself as a starter?

What's Shaw's opinion of playing a game in Sydney versus Houston?

Is Shannon Turley making any changes to his approach given the increased injury incidence rate last season?  How have the incoming freshmen taken to their first summer of college conditioning?  (I assume they all got their marching orders after HS graduation.)  Is each class of recruits coming in equally fit, or have there been improvements year over year?

Similarly, is each class of recruits coming in more and more prepared w.r.t. playbook familiarity?  What is Stanford doing to help the incoming frosh digest the playbook better before training camp?

And a million more...

[MOStanfordFB]

Which class of 2016 redshirts on offense have shown the most improvement?  And which ones could step in and contribute this year?

[MOStanfordFB]

Which class of 2016 redshirts on offense have shown the most improvement?  And which ones could step in and contribute this year?

[ChicagoCard]

How far along are the 4 redshirt freshmen defensive linemen -- Williams, Schaffer, Peek and Swann.

[ChicagoCard]

How far along are the 4 redshirt freshmen defensive linemen -- Williams, Schaffer, Peek and Swann.

[pcgoode]

Will the Cardinal break out the three TE package this year?

[pcgoode]

Will the Cardinal break out the three TE package this year?

[ADPATERSON]

Like the Qs above about DLine. And OLine.

Execution is not enough.  Seems about 1 in 4 plays called is just poorly designed.  Xs and Os.  Flawed blocking schemes.
Poorly designed pass route combos don't get guys open.  Go look at the best offenses.  They have better plays to execute.
The first play of Rose Bowl to McCaff for TD was brilliantly designed and executed.  Red zone in 2H of Sun Bowl stunk. 

A FEW MORE:
*  With Rector, Owuzu, McCaff gone - who is faster:  IBSimms or B.the.Love?  Codington?
*  BIG Backs:  Will Lund do a RSh or get a few reps behind Speights?
*  How about that NFL split back ProSet formation with Love and Speights? Thunder and Lightning.

* How about placing a Jumbo left side just outside a TE (slotback spot) for pass protection... or run to that side?
Stops any DE from an edge rush.  AT Hall and Tucker got beat too often on a quick outside rush.

*  Special Play: Little at the Jumbo, then hand the ball to Sarell.  "IN n OUT Double Meat (two 5stars), Double Cheese (two frosh)".

*  How good could this Defense be? Possibly deepest we have ever fielded? 
-- Outlook for DW Perry at NT (biggest dude we got at 330lbs) ?  How soon?

* Lightning round:  What are the weaknesses of U$C and UW?  WAST and OREG? 
-- How do you stop Darnold (450yds, 5TDs in monster Rose Bowl Q4 comeback)?  We did not face Darnold last year.
  [ I would ask about weaknesses for CALSucks, but you don't have enough time...] 

[ADPATERSON]

Like the Qs above about DLine. And OLine.

Execution is not enough.  Seems about 1 in 4 plays called is just poorly designed.  Xs and Os.  Flawed blocking schemes.
Poorly designed pass route combos don't get guys open.  Go look at the best offenses.  They have better plays to execute.
The first play of Rose Bowl to McCaff for TD was brilliantly designed and executed.  Red zone in 2H of Sun Bowl stunk. 

A FEW MORE:
*  With Rector, Owuzu, McCaff gone - who is faster:  IBSimms or B.the.Love?  Codington?
*  BIG Backs:  Will Lund do a RSh or get a few reps behind Speights?
*  How about that NFL split back ProSet formation with Love and Speights? Thunder and Lightning.

* How about placing a Jumbo left side just outside a TE (slotback spot) for pass protection... or run to that side?
Stops any DE from an edge rush.  AT Hall and Tucker got beat too often on a quick outside rush.

*  Special Play: Little at the Jumbo, then hand the ball to Sarell.  "IN n OUT Double Meat (two 5stars), Double Cheese (two frosh)".

*  How good could this Defense be? Possibly deepest we have ever fielded? 
-- Outlook for DW Perry at NT (biggest dude we got at 330lbs) ?  How soon?

* Lightning round:  What are the weaknesses of U$C and UW?  WAST and OREG? 
-- How do you stop Darnold (450yds, 5TDs in monster Rose Bowl Q4 comeback)?  We did not face Darnold last year.
  [ I would ask about weaknesses for CALSucks, but you don't have enough time...] 

[winflop]

• What's behind moving Alfieri from OLB to ILB?
  
• Where have other ILBs improved most from last season? Has anyone in particular really stepped up their game?
  
• The OL has taken longer than expected to gel into a high-performing unit two of the last three years. Anything being done differently this year to accelerate that?
  

[winflop]

• What's behind moving Alfieri from OLB to ILB?
  
• Where have other ILBs improved most from last season? Has anyone in particular really stepped up their game?
  
• The OL has taken longer than expected to gel into a high-performing unit two of the last three years. Anything being done differently this year to accelerate that?
  

[fullmetal]

ADPATERSON and I are pretty much on the same page, and winflop touched on the OL chemistry issue as well.  I think the phrasing of these questions is designed in such a way to impress upon Shaw that we are also looking for improvements in the coaching staff's approach and that we expect improvement from them in their methodology and pedagogy.

These are good coaches; I expect Shaw will easily have these answers in his mind.  He'll know strengths/weaknesses (though perhaps less glib about the latter), and I'm guarded optimistic about this season's ceiling if the coaching staff can take this team to where they need to be.

And after OL/DL + QB...everything follows from there.  I expect the "skill" positions to sort themselves out, but it's the line and QB play where I think the coaches really need to refine/improve their approach.

[fullmetal]

ADPATERSON and I are pretty much on the same page, and winflop touched on the OL chemistry issue as well.  I think the phrasing of these questions is designed in such a way to impress upon Shaw that we are also looking for improvements in the coaching staff's approach and that we expect improvement from them in their methodology and pedagogy.

These are good coaches; I expect Shaw will easily have these answers in his mind.  He'll know strengths/weaknesses (though perhaps less glib about the latter), and I'm guarded optimistic about this season's ceiling if the coaching staff can take this team to where they need to be.

And after OL/DL + QB...everything follows from there.  I expect the "skill" positions to sort themselves out, but it's the line and QB play where I think the coaches really need to refine/improve their approach.

[Bruce Wang]

Have you learned your lesson and do you solemnly swear to take a QB every year even if he's just a 4* nephew of a former NFL great?

[Bruce Wang]

Have you learned your lesson and do you solemnly swear to take a QB every year even if he's just a 4* nephew of a former NFL great?

[Goose]

I think the phrasing of these questions is designed in such a way to impress upon Shaw that we are also looking for improvements in the coaching staff's approach and that we expect improvement from them in their methodology and pedagogy. <snip>

And after OL/DL + QB...everything follows from there.  I expect the "skill" positions to sort themselves out, but it's the line and QB play where I think the coaches really need to refine/improve their approach.

I would be interested on thoughts about what "methodology and pedagogy" can and can't do, and how the coaches go about determining what the problems are and how to solve them. Looking at the Player Development question from a casual fan thread, motivation is perceived as a big factor. I can understand how coaches can locate and eradicate bad technique, but the "want to" has to come from within, or does it? The OL "should" have been better than it was. I am sure the staff will cite injuries as a big contributor, but I would be interested in their thoughts about why sometimes it doesn't work, and the later it does, with the same guys.

[Goose]

I think the phrasing of these questions is designed in such a way to impress upon Shaw that we are also looking for improvements in the coaching staff's approach and that we expect improvement from them in their methodology and pedagogy. <snip>

And after OL/DL + QB...everything follows from there.  I expect the "skill" positions to sort themselves out, but it's the line and QB play where I think the coaches really need to refine/improve their approach.

I would be interested on thoughts about what "methodology and pedagogy" can and can't do, and how the coaches go about determining what the problems are and how to solve them. Looking at the Player Development question from a casual fan thread, motivation is perceived as a big factor. I can understand how coaches can locate and eradicate bad technique, but the "want to" has to come from within, or does it? The OL "should" have been better than it was. I am sure the staff will cite injuries as a big contributor, but I would be interested in their thoughts about why sometimes it doesn't work, and the later it does, with the same guys.

[fullmetal]

I haven't responded to the player dev thread because I have some opinions on that which I need to organize in my head before I reply.  But I firmly believe that environment is equally as important as intrinsic motivation for success to happen.  If you disagree, take a look at recent Stanford Softball seasons.

And you better believe that even if methodology and pedagogy only have a 5% impact on player performance, that Stanford coaching staff will pursue that 5% because 1) every bit helps and 2) that 5% is entirely within the control of the coaching staff--so why not work with what you can control?

[fullmetal]

I haven't responded to the player dev thread because I have some opinions on that which I need to organize in my head before I reply.  But I firmly believe that environment is equally as important as intrinsic motivation for success to happen.  If you disagree, take a look at recent Stanford Softball seasons.

And you better believe that even if methodology and pedagogy only have a 5% impact on player performance, that Stanford coaching staff will pursue that 5% because 1) every bit helps and 2) that 5% is entirely within the control of the coaching staff--so why not work with what you can control?

[Goose]

I haven't responded to the player dev thread because I have some opinions on that which I need to organize in my head before I reply.  But I firmly believe that environment is equally as important as intrinsic motivation for success to happen.  If you disagree, take a look at recent Stanford Softball seasons.

And you better believe that even if methodology and pedagogy only have a 5% impact on player performance, that Stanford coaching staff will pursue that 5% because 1) every bit helps and 2) that 5% is entirely within the control of the coaching staff--so why not work with what you can control?

I absolutely agree about the 5% impact being critical. I would also argue that it is very non-linear, that the coaches contributing their 5% can create a 20% effect in other areas. Success breeds success. Unfortunately, I would also assert that the 5% is real hard to figure out. So when you say it is in the control of the coaching staff, I agree. Unfortunately, it may not be clear how to provide it. What works on some group of players may fail miserably on others. That is why I would be interested in Shaw's read on the subject. Stanford softball is a good illustration. The team was not nearly as bad as they played. It was partially because the coaches didn't do their part, but I think even more so that the players had no confidence in their ability to succeed in the conference. JH has had success extracting the most from many players, often ones with not the greatest skill set, but not everybody likes his methods. That is why hiring coaches is so hard. People who have had success as coaches suddenly don't, and visa-versa. If we could predict that, we could make lost of money!

[Goose]

I haven't responded to the player dev thread because I have some opinions on that which I need to organize in my head before I reply.  But I firmly believe that environment is equally as important as intrinsic motivation for success to happen.  If you disagree, take a look at recent Stanford Softball seasons.

And you better believe that even if methodology and pedagogy only have a 5% impact on player performance, that Stanford coaching staff will pursue that 5% because 1) every bit helps and 2) that 5% is entirely within the control of the coaching staff--so why not work with what you can control?

I absolutely agree about the 5% impact being critical. I would also argue that it is very non-linear, that the coaches contributing their 5% can create a 20% effect in other areas. Success breeds success. Unfortunately, I would also assert that the 5% is real hard to figure out. So when you say it is in the control of the coaching staff, I agree. Unfortunately, it may not be clear how to provide it. What works on some group of players may fail miserably on others. That is why I would be interested in Shaw's read on the subject. Stanford softball is a good illustration. The team was not nearly as bad as they played. It was partially because the coaches didn't do their part, but I think even more so that the players had no confidence in their ability to succeed in the conference. JH has had success extracting the most from many players, often ones with not the greatest skill set, but not everybody likes his methods. That is why hiring coaches is so hard. People who have had success as coaches suddenly don't, and visa-versa. If we could predict that, we could make lost of money!

[Spiny_Norman]

Hank, if you need an unpaid intern to tote your stuff next Thursday, I can be available.

I have two areas of questions.

Why in God's name is Stanford's offense still having trouble getting plays run before the play clock runs out?  Play clock management seems to be a perennial problem on offense. The only year recently in which Stanford did not struggle regularly with snapping the ball before the clock ran out was Kevin Hogan's senior year.  Does Stanford's offense require 30+ games of experience by the starting QB to master?  Does this problem of play clock management concern the staff?  Or should we as fans just expect that this will be a characteristic of Stanford's offense (in which case, I need to buy a lot more antacid)?

Does the coaching staff ever go back to old game broadcasts to get ideas for plays?  I have had a chance on the P12 Network this summer to watch Stanford games from 2009 - 2016.  There were some play calls for example in the 2009 Oregon and U.SC games that I thought were excellently timed and beautifully executed.  All credit to the offensive coordinator!  (hint - he is currently Stanford's head coach).  But I don't recall seeing anything like them in game action since.  Where do the coaches get ideas for new plays?  Old game film? Collaboration with coaches from other teams?  Just playing on a white board? And what is the process for deciding when a new play idea goes into the playbook?

[Spiny_Norman]

Hank, if you need an unpaid intern to tote your stuff next Thursday, I can be available.

I have two areas of questions.

Why in God's name is Stanford's offense still having trouble getting plays run before the play clock runs out?  Play clock management seems to be a perennial problem on offense. The only year recently in which Stanford did not struggle regularly with snapping the ball before the clock ran out was Kevin Hogan's senior year.  Does Stanford's offense require 30+ games of experience by the starting QB to master?  Does this problem of play clock management concern the staff?  Or should we as fans just expect that this will be a characteristic of Stanford's offense (in which case, I need to buy a lot more antacid)?

Does the coaching staff ever go back to old game broadcasts to get ideas for plays?  I have had a chance on the P12 Network this summer to watch Stanford games from 2009 - 2016.  There were some play calls for example in the 2009 Oregon and U.SC games that I thought were excellently timed and beautifully executed.  All credit to the offensive coordinator!  (hint - he is currently Stanford's head coach).  But I don't recall seeing anything like them in game action since.  Where do the coaches get ideas for new plays?  Old game film? Collaboration with coaches from other teams?  Just playing on a white board? And what is the process for deciding when a new play idea goes into the playbook?

[Spiny_Norman]

Hank - a question for Harrison Phillips - on the current Stanford roster, who is the nastiest offensive lineman you have to go up against in practice?

[Spiny_Norman]

Hank - a question for Harrison Phillips - on the current Stanford roster, who is the nastiest offensive lineman you have to go up against in practice?

[fullmetal]

Ooh...I'd blocked out the pain of watching bad clock management/play communication.  Good one.  Argh.

[fullmetal]

Ooh...I'd blocked out the pain of watching bad clock management/play communication.  Good one.  Argh.

[AncientCityIndian]

have athletic guys on the OL and the ogre who are well over 300 lbs with great blocking skills including Herbig, Sarell, Fanaika, Hamilton and Little to give us a great advantage.  Along with the best blocking FB in the country and quick running backs with adequate power and balance, our running game will be very tough to handle unless the D has exceptional players who can play off blocks from exceptional athletes.  Sending 3 WR`s and TE`s down the field each running play leaves only eight players maximum to defeat a focal power running scheme (5 blockers focused on a limited area of the D with 4-5  defenders) assuming single pass coverage or less if some double coverage.  Since guys like Irwin, AW and Schultz usually cannot be covered by one defender consistently, I would like you to ask Shaw if he will establish the long and medium passing game early and often to prevent the box from being stacked.  All too often when our offense has sputtered it was for lack of a reliably accurate QB or effective downfield passing game.  I truly cannot think of any teams on our schedule with the exception of the front 7`s of the Huskies or Utah that should be able to challenge our OL and Marx led running game.  It would seem to me Chryst has displayed enough accuracy and arm strength to stretch defenses and force them to play the entire field against us;  this year, it would appear we have the receiver talent to go along with a strong armed and accurate QB. (also very high on Kaden Smith and St. Brown)

My other question involves our D.  With Phillips and Alfieri clogging the middle and outstanding CB`s, will we be blitzing early and often this year?  It would appear we have the talent to do it with Robinson, Meeks, Tyler, Toohill, a plethora of safeties and Kalambayi.

[AncientCityIndian]

have athletic guys on the OL and the ogre who are well over 300 lbs with great blocking skills including Herbig, Sarell, Fanaika, Hamilton and Little to give us a great advantage.  Along with the best blocking FB in the country and quick running backs with adequate power and balance, our running game will be very tough to handle unless the D has exceptional players who can play off blocks from exceptional athletes.  Sending 3 WR`s and TE`s down the field each running play leaves only eight players maximum to defeat a focal power running scheme (5 blockers focused on a limited area of the D with 4-5  defenders) assuming single pass coverage or less if some double coverage.  Since guys like Irwin, AW and Schultz usually cannot be covered by one defender consistently, I would like you to ask Shaw if he will establish the long and medium passing game early and often to prevent the box from being stacked.  All too often when our offense has sputtered it was for lack of a reliably accurate QB or effective downfield passing game.  I truly cannot think of any teams on our schedule with the exception of the front 7`s of the Huskies or Utah that should be able to challenge our OL and Marx led running game.  It would seem to me Chryst has displayed enough accuracy and arm strength to stretch defenses and force them to play the entire field against us;  this year, it would appear we have the receiver talent to go along with a strong armed and accurate QB. (also very high on Kaden Smith and St. Brown)

My other question involves our D.  With Phillips and Alfieri clogging the middle and outstanding CB`s, will we be blitzing early and often this year?  It would appear we have the talent to do it with Robinson, Meeks, Tyler, Toohill, a plethora of safeties and Kalambayi.

[ADPATERSON]

AncientCityIndian:  Bulleye questions!  LIKE.

[ADPATERSON]

AncientCityIndian:  Bulleye questions!  LIKE.