[iyengar06]

I am extremely excited about the 2012 defense, even with the losses of Delano and MT3. Here's what I see shaping up in terms of next year, although of course things could change significantly before then.

DE: Gardner
NT: Stephens (Parry/Gowan)
DE: Mauro/H. Anderson

We lose Masifilo, a stalwart of the Stanford defense for a long time, but I like what Mauro and Anderson have done in limited opportunities so far. Stephens is solid enough, and frankly I'm not sure Parry isn't better. Is it too soon to call Gardner a stud? I think he's earning the label.

OLB: Thomas/Debniak
ILB: S. Skov
ILB: Lancaster/Vaughters
OLB: Murphy/Leuders

The LB group would be a real strength, assuming Chase Thomas does come back. Even without him, Debniak or Vaughters could start in his stead. Then you have guys like Tarpley and Hemschoot for depth, plus Noor Davis coming is a true frosh. You have to like this group.

CB: Browning
CB: Lyons (Bernard/Brown/Amanam/Alex Carter?)
FS: Richards
SS: Carrington (Ed Reynolds)

I don't think I've ever seen a Stanford secondary nearly this athletic. I think Lyons could be a true shut-down corner; either way, he'll be an improvement over Johnson Bademosi, who I'll be the first to say has improved a lot. Browning will be experienced. Richards and Carrington have big shoes to fill, but I think they're going to be awesome together. Ed Reynolds could push them, and Alex Carter is coming in as a highly-regarded DB who could apparently play CB or S.

There are also still some big name recruits out there with Stanford interest - Shittu and Odenigbo, for example.

Anyway, the 2012 defense looks like an elite defense to me.

[iyengar06]

I am extremely excited about the 2012 defense, even with the losses of Delano and MT3. Here's what I see shaping up in terms of next year, although of course things could change significantly before then.

DE: Gardner
NT: Stephens (Parry/Gowan)
DE: Mauro/H. Anderson

We lose Masifilo, a stalwart of the Stanford defense for a long time, but I like what Mauro and Anderson have done in limited opportunities so far. Stephens is solid enough, and frankly I'm not sure Parry isn't better. Is it too soon to call Gardner a stud? I think he's earning the label.

OLB: Thomas/Debniak
ILB: S. Skov
ILB: Lancaster/Vaughters
OLB: Murphy/Leuders

The LB group would be a real strength, assuming Chase Thomas does come back. Even without him, Debniak or Vaughters could start in his stead. Then you have guys like Tarpley and Hemschoot for depth, plus Noor Davis coming is a true frosh. You have to like this group.

CB: Browning
CB: Lyons (Bernard/Brown/Amanam/Alex Carter?)
FS: Richards
SS: Carrington (Ed Reynolds)

I don't think I've ever seen a Stanford secondary nearly this athletic. I think Lyons could be a true shut-down corner; either way, he'll be an improvement over Johnson Bademosi, who I'll be the first to say has improved a lot. Browning will be experienced. Richards and Carrington have big shoes to fill, but I think they're going to be awesome together. Ed Reynolds could push them, and Alex Carter is coming in as a highly-regarded DB who could apparently play CB or S.

There are also still some big name recruits out there with Stanford interest - Shittu and Odenigbo, for example.

Anyway, the 2012 defense looks like an elite defense to me.

[StannyBoy]

I think Henry Anderson starts over Mauro next year - looks more explosive and athletic and bigger. I also see Vaughters staying at OLB and potentially starting since he said he preferred it and his scouting report said rushing the QB was his strong point. But you'd have to sit Leuders or Murphy so maybe he learns ILB. Chase Thomas won't be back next year - he could go in the first round. You also left out Tarpley and Hemschoot. They'll be the back-up ILBs.

[StannyBoy]

I think Henry Anderson starts over Mauro next year - looks more explosive and athletic and bigger. I also see Vaughters staying at OLB and potentially starting since he said he preferred it and his scouting report said rushing the QB was his strong point. But you'd have to sit Leuders or Murphy so maybe he learns ILB. Chase Thomas won't be back next year - he could go in the first round. You also left out Tarpley and Hemschoot. They'll be the back-up ILBs.

[Rando]

Noor Davis (OLB) and Luke Kaumatule (DE) will probably play next year. That is, if Luke heals properly. He should.

[Rando]

Noor Davis (OLB) and Luke Kaumatule (DE) will probably play next year. That is, if Luke heals properly. He should.

[StannyBoy]

Jordan Watkins could also play right away. And Charlie Hopkins, JB Salem, and Kevin Anderson at OLB. We're actually very deep all over.

[StannyBoy]

Jordan Watkins could also play right away. And Charlie Hopkins, JB Salem, and Kevin Anderson at OLB. We're actually very deep all over.

[FarmBoy]

That's a pretty nice looking defense, even without Thomas. Reading ESPN game message boards, everyone expect Stanford to drop off the map next year. They're going to be sorely disappointed, especially if Shaw can close out strong on this year's class.

[FarmBoy]

That's a pretty nice looking defense, even without Thomas. Reading ESPN game message boards, everyone expect Stanford to drop off the map next year. They're going to be sorely disappointed, especially if Shaw can close out strong on this year's class.

[Rando]

Plus Shaw is supposedly really good at QB's. I know this is the defense thread, but it's in response to the ESPN message board comment. QB seems like our biggest downgrade next season, but Shaw is good at developing QB's (supposedly).

[Rando]

Plus Shaw is supposedly really good at QB's. I know this is the defense thread, but it's in response to the ESPN message board comment. QB seems like our biggest downgrade next season, but Shaw is good at developing QB's (supposedly).

[Hurlburt88]

I believe Shaw is going to be both a strong and a long-term coach.  While I am probably in a tiny minority, in terms of long-term fit I like Shaw much more than Harbaugh.  :D

[Hurlburt88]

I believe Shaw is going to be both a strong and a long-term coach.  While I am probably in a tiny minority, in terms of long-term fit I like Shaw much more than Harbaugh.  :D

[yvonne]

People who have been discounting us for next year are the people who think we're "Andrew Luck and the Luckettes." Our defense will be strong, our offensive line will be strong, we have many good running backs, and several of our quarterbacks were highly recruited. Our team will continue its run-first focus and will have a Pac-12 quality quarterback to keep teams honest. That's a recipe for winning football games.

[yvonne]

People who have been discounting us for next year are the people who think we're "Andrew Luck and the Luckettes." Our defense will be strong, our offensive line will be strong, we have many good running backs, and several of our quarterbacks were highly recruited. Our team will continue its run-first focus and will have a Pac-12 quality quarterback to keep teams honest. That's a recipe for winning football games.

[fullmetal]

Let's get through this season first before paying attention to anyone prognosticating about next season already...!  If we thrash an SEC opponent in a BCS bowl, you can bet that those naysayers will change their tone.

[fullmetal]

Let's get through this season first before paying attention to anyone prognosticating about next season already...!  If we thrash an SEC opponent in a BCS bowl, you can bet that those naysayers will change their tone.