[lex24]

Maybe there should be a transfer portal for posters……. I’m thinking Hawaii…. Or maybe AFC Richmond. Great owner…….

[lex24]

Maybe there should be a transfer portal for posters……. I’m thinking Hawaii…. Or maybe AFC Richmond. Great owner…….

[gailtate]

Sure, if Nate and Austin had had a really, really great or even really good O-line, they woulda looked better last year and might even have hung around for next season. If there were truly great or even really good football athletes on D , it woulda made the O look a whole lot better, too. But it ain't there. Nowhere. He's A Real Nowhere Man--makin' all his nowhere plans for nobody. Especially those nobodies in the stadium. What's the O/U on attendance for the game (excuse me) against Colgate?

[gailtate]

Sure, if Nate and Austin had had a really, really great or even really good O-line, they woulda looked better last year and might even have hung around for next season. If there were truly great or even really good football athletes on D , it woulda made the O look a whole lot better, too. But it ain't there. Nowhere. He's A Real Nowhere Man--makin' all his nowhere plans for nobody. Especially those nobodies in the stadium. What's the O/U on attendance for the game (excuse me) against Colgate?

[Phogge]

At least they will be giving out free toothpaste at the Colgate game.

[Phogge]

At least they will be giving out free toothpaste at the Colgate game.

[Jamesy]

This is the transfer that has tipped me from the everything is fine (insert gif) to something is rotten in the state of Denmark. All the others were grad transfers where you could have some reasonable justification, even if some may disagree. Even with Peat, the RB room was crowded, he was only a co-starter with Jones, so may make sense to go elsewhere. For Jones to leave prior to getting a degree, after his co-starter already cleared the way for him to be the feature back, is to me a clear indictment of the program and a sign that Shaw isn't going to make the necessary coaching changes to turn the team around.

[Jamesy]

This is the transfer that has tipped me from the everything is fine (insert gif) to something is rotten in the state of Denmark. All the others were grad transfers where you could have some reasonable justification, even if some may disagree. Even with Peat, the RB room was crowded, he was only a co-starter with Jones, so may make sense to go elsewhere. For Jones to leave prior to getting a degree, after his co-starter already cleared the way for him to be the feature back, is to me a clear indictment of the program and a sign that Shaw isn't going to make the necessary coaching changes to turn the team around.

[2006alum]

Do we know for sure neither player will be able to graduate by the end of the summer? On the women's basketball team, for example, Estella Moschkau graduated in three years and then transferred to Wisconsin for her final season of eligibility. It's possible they may plan to graduate and use the first half of summer session to make up any remaining credits?

[2006alum]

Do we know for sure neither player will be able to graduate by the end of the summer? On the women's basketball team, for example, Estella Moschkau graduated in three years and then transferred to Wisconsin for her final season of eligibility. It's possible they may plan to graduate and use the first half of summer session to make up any remaining credits?

[cardcrimson]

I wonder if he got some bad advice from the staff. 

From our offensive brain trust?!? Nah. . . .

[cardcrimson]

I wonder if he got some bad advice from the staff. 

From our offensive brain trust?!? Nah. . . .

[BostonCard]

I will be a contrarian here and say that the irony is probably that next year the line will be a lot better, and might even be an above average offensive line.  As Sam noted, everyone is coming back (pending a late transfer portal decision), and these guys were all sophomores and juniors this year, but because of COVID, really more like freshmen and sophomores.  The sanguine (or perhaps delusional) take here is that having played together all year, and having a chance for a full year under their new coach, that they will gel next year and be substantially better.

BC

[BostonCard]

I will be a contrarian here and say that the irony is probably that next year the line will be a lot better, and might even be an above average offensive line.  As Sam noted, everyone is coming back (pending a late transfer portal decision), and these guys were all sophomores and juniors this year, but because of COVID, really more like freshmen and sophomores.  The sanguine (or perhaps delusional) take here is that having played together all year, and having a chance for a full year under their new coach, that they will gel next year and be substantially better.

BC

[JohnR34231]

I will be a contrarian here and say that the irony is probably that next year the line will be a lot better, and might even be an above average offensive line.  As Sam noted, everyone is coming back (pending a late transfer portal decision), and these guys were all sophomores and juniors this year, but because of COVID, really more like freshmen and sophomores.  The sanguine (or perhaps delusional) take here is that having played together all year, and having a chance for a full year under their new coach, that they will gel next year and be substantially better.

BC

I recall a fair number of comments last year saying they didn't think Jones and Peat were all that good and tended to go down on first contact. While I didn't really subscribe to that, maybe E.J. getting the lions share of the carries this fall will be good for the offense. Assuming he can stay healthy of course.

[JohnR34231]

I will be a contrarian here and say that the irony is probably that next year the line will be a lot better, and might even be an above average offensive line.  As Sam noted, everyone is coming back (pending a late transfer portal decision), and these guys were all sophomores and juniors this year, but because of COVID, really more like freshmen and sophomores.  The sanguine (or perhaps delusional) take here is that having played together all year, and having a chance for a full year under their new coach, that they will gel next year and be substantially better.

BC

I recall a fair number of comments last year saying they didn't think Jones and Peat were all that good and tended to go down on first contact. While I didn't really subscribe to that, maybe E.J. getting the lions share of the carries this fall will be good for the offense. Assuming he can stay healthy of course.

[Spiny_Norman]

I will be a contrarian here and say that the irony is probably that next year the line will be a lot better, and might even be an above average offensive line.  As Sam noted, everyone is coming back (pending a late transfer portal decision), and these guys were all sophomores and juniors this year, but because of COVID, really more like freshmen and sophomores.  The sanguine (or perhaps delusional) take here is that having played together all year, and having a chance for a full year under their new coach, that they will gel next year and be substantially better.

BC

I recall a fair number of comments last year saying they didn't think Jones and Peat were all that good and tended to go down on first contact. While I didn't really subscribe to that, maybe E.J. getting the lions share of the carries this fall will be good for the offense. Assuming he can stay healthy of course.

I think it's a valid critique of Jones that he was not elusive. We did not see a burst of speed to find open space. He was not able to make defenders miss. Even in 2020, his best season when he averaged 92 yards a game with a more effective OL, his longest run was 21 yards. 
In 2021, his long runs were:
KState - 6 yards
USC - 5 yards
Vandy - 61 yards (career best); otherwise he had 6 carries for 19 yards
Oregon - 11 yards
ASU - 5 yards
WSU - 9 yards

You get the idea. At the end of the season, Shaw seemed to want to give more carries to backs with more big play potential.

[Spiny_Norman]

I will be a contrarian here and say that the irony is probably that next year the line will be a lot better, and might even be an above average offensive line.  As Sam noted, everyone is coming back (pending a late transfer portal decision), and these guys were all sophomores and juniors this year, but because of COVID, really more like freshmen and sophomores.  The sanguine (or perhaps delusional) take here is that having played together all year, and having a chance for a full year under their new coach, that they will gel next year and be substantially better.

BC

I recall a fair number of comments last year saying they didn't think Jones and Peat were all that good and tended to go down on first contact. While I didn't really subscribe to that, maybe E.J. getting the lions share of the carries this fall will be good for the offense. Assuming he can stay healthy of course.

I think it's a valid critique of Jones that he was not elusive. We did not see a burst of speed to find open space. He was not able to make defenders miss. Even in 2020, his best season when he averaged 92 yards a game with a more effective OL, his longest run was 21 yards. 
In 2021, his long runs were:
KState - 6 yards
USC - 5 yards
Vandy - 61 yards (career best); otherwise he had 6 carries for 19 yards
Oregon - 11 yards
ASU - 5 yards
WSU - 9 yards

You get the idea. At the end of the season, Shaw seemed to want to give more carries to backs with more big play potential.

[Goose]

Do we know for sure neither player will be able to graduate by the end of the summer? On the women's basketball team, for example, Estella Moschkau graduated in three years and then transferred to Wisconsin for her final season of eligibility. It's possible they may plan to graduate and use the first half of summer session to make up any remaining credits?

I unfortunately have no knowledge of how close either of them are to graduating, but I would expect that a transfer would have a very big hill to climb if they aren't available for summer workouts at least. Missing spring football would mean no extensive formal integration (with coaches involved) into the new team's offense. That is why early admission for freshmen at Stanford is such a big deal for guys who want to play in their first year. Transferring and believing you can earn a starting spot in three weeks before the season starts sounds pretty risky to me. At least in basketball the season doesn't start for a few months.

[Goose]

Do we know for sure neither player will be able to graduate by the end of the summer? On the women's basketball team, for example, Estella Moschkau graduated in three years and then transferred to Wisconsin for her final season of eligibility. It's possible they may plan to graduate and use the first half of summer session to make up any remaining credits?

I unfortunately have no knowledge of how close either of them are to graduating, but I would expect that a transfer would have a very big hill to climb if they aren't available for summer workouts at least. Missing spring football would mean no extensive formal integration (with coaches involved) into the new team's offense. That is why early admission for freshmen at Stanford is such a big deal for guys who want to play in their first year. Transferring and believing you can earn a starting spot in three weeks before the season starts sounds pretty risky to me. At least in basketball the season doesn't start for a few months.

[winflop]

I will be a contrarian here and say that the irony is probably that next year the line will be a lot better, and might even be an above average offensive line.  As Sam noted, everyone is coming back (pending a late transfer portal decision), and these guys were all sophomores and juniors this year, but because of COVID, really more like freshmen and sophomores.  The sanguine (or perhaps delusional) take here is that having played together all year, and having a chance for a full year under their new coach, that they will gel next year and be substantially better.

BC

I recall a fair number of comments last year saying they didn't think Jones and Peat were all that good and tended to go down on first contact. While I didn't really subscribe to that, maybe E.J. getting the lions share of the carries this fall will be good for the offense. Assuming he can stay healthy of course.

I think it's a valid critique of Jones that he was not elusive. We did not see a burst of speed to find open space. He was not able to make defenders miss. Even in 2020, his best season when he averaged 92 yards a game with a more effective OL, his longest run was 21 yards. 
In 2021, his long runs were:
KState - 6 yards
USC - 5 yards
Vandy - 61 yards (career best); otherwise he had 6 carries for 19 yards
Oregon - 11 yards
ASU - 5 yards
WSU - 9 yards

You get the idea. At the end of the season, Shaw seemed to want to give more carries to backs with more big play potential.

Really good points Spiny. I'm wondering if these late transfer decisions were at least in part due to Shaw telling them that at best they'd be sharing snaps with Smith Filkins and Farrell. That's a really crowded backfield with more than three or four.

Doubt we'll ever get the real story, but it's probably a lot more than just one or two things.

[winflop]

I will be a contrarian here and say that the irony is probably that next year the line will be a lot better, and might even be an above average offensive line.  As Sam noted, everyone is coming back (pending a late transfer portal decision), and these guys were all sophomores and juniors this year, but because of COVID, really more like freshmen and sophomores.  The sanguine (or perhaps delusional) take here is that having played together all year, and having a chance for a full year under their new coach, that they will gel next year and be substantially better.

BC

I recall a fair number of comments last year saying they didn't think Jones and Peat were all that good and tended to go down on first contact. While I didn't really subscribe to that, maybe E.J. getting the lions share of the carries this fall will be good for the offense. Assuming he can stay healthy of course.

I think it's a valid critique of Jones that he was not elusive. We did not see a burst of speed to find open space. He was not able to make defenders miss. Even in 2020, his best season when he averaged 92 yards a game with a more effective OL, his longest run was 21 yards. 
In 2021, his long runs were:
KState - 6 yards
USC - 5 yards
Vandy - 61 yards (career best); otherwise he had 6 carries for 19 yards
Oregon - 11 yards
ASU - 5 yards
WSU - 9 yards

You get the idea. At the end of the season, Shaw seemed to want to give more carries to backs with more big play potential.

Really good points Spiny. I'm wondering if these late transfer decisions were at least in part due to Shaw telling them that at best they'd be sharing snaps with Smith Filkins and Farrell. That's a really crowded backfield with more than three or four.

Doubt we'll ever get the real story, but it's probably a lot more than just one or two things.

[needle]

When the Stanford offense was at its best, Austin Jones was a reliable target for McKee's passes.

No other running back last year showed Jones' ability to consistently make plays downfield.

I'm less sure about his blocking, but my perception is that Jones was the best among all the running backs at blocking to protect McKee.

[needle]

When the Stanford offense was at its best, Austin Jones was a reliable target for McKee's passes.

No other running back last year showed Jones' ability to consistently make plays downfield.

I'm less sure about his blocking, but my perception is that Jones was the best among all the running backs at blocking to protect McKee.

[Goose]

[
I think it's a valid critique of Jones that he was not elusive. We did not see a burst of speed to find open space. He was not able to make defenders miss. Even in 2020, his best season when he averaged 92 yards a game with a more effective OL, his longest run was 21 yards. 

In 2021, his long runs were:

KState - 6 yards

USC - 5 yards

Vandy - 61 yards (career best); otherwise he had 6 carries for 19 yards

Oregon - 11 yards

ASU - 5 yards

WSU - 9 yards



You get the idea. At the end of the season, Shaw seemed to want to give more carries to backs with more big play potential.

Really good points Spiny. I'm wondering if these late transfer decisions were at least in part due to Shaw telling them that at best they'd be sharing snaps with Smith Filkins and Farrell. That's a really crowded backfield with more than three or four.



Doubt we'll ever get the real story, but it's probably a lot more than just one or two things.

Additionally, if one does believe that next year is a "rebuilding" year (big euphemism) no matter what, and that Shaw (or Gould) knows that, the push may be to get guys who will be around for a few years the experience. Not good for guys who graduate this year.

[Goose]

[
I think it's a valid critique of Jones that he was not elusive. We did not see a burst of speed to find open space. He was not able to make defenders miss. Even in 2020, his best season when he averaged 92 yards a game with a more effective OL, his longest run was 21 yards. 

In 2021, his long runs were:

KState - 6 yards

USC - 5 yards

Vandy - 61 yards (career best); otherwise he had 6 carries for 19 yards

Oregon - 11 yards

ASU - 5 yards

WSU - 9 yards



You get the idea. At the end of the season, Shaw seemed to want to give more carries to backs with more big play potential.

Really good points Spiny. I'm wondering if these late transfer decisions were at least in part due to Shaw telling them that at best they'd be sharing snaps with Smith Filkins and Farrell. That's a really crowded backfield with more than three or four.



Doubt we'll ever get the real story, but it's probably a lot more than just one or two things.

Additionally, if one does believe that next year is a "rebuilding" year (big euphemism) no matter what, and that Shaw (or Gould) knows that, the push may be to get guys who will be around for a few years the experience. Not good for guys who graduate this year.

[old spanish trail]

When the Stanford offense was at its best, Austin Jones was a reliable target for McKee's passes.

No other running back last year showed Jones' ability to consistently make plays downfield.

I'm less sure about his blocking, but my perception is that Jones was the best among all the running backs at blocking to protect McKee.

I think both those observations are correct. Q. Does anybody have the figures re longest runs for Jones in 2019 and 2020?

---

[
I think it's a valid critique of Jones that he was not elusive. We did not see a burst of speed to find open space. He was not able to make defenders miss. Even in 2020, his best season when he averaged 92 yards a game with a more effective OL, his longest run was 21 yards. 

In 2021, his long runs were:

KState - 6 yards

USC - 5 yards

Vandy - 61 yards (career best); otherwise he had 6 carries for 19 yards

Oregon - 11 yards

ASU - 5 yards

WSU - 9 yards



You get the idea. At the end of the season, Shaw seemed to want to give more carries to backs with more big play potential.

Really good points Spiny. I'm wondering if these late transfer decisions were at least in part due to Shaw telling them that at best they'd be sharing snaps with Smith Filkins and Farrell. That's a really crowded backfield with more than three or four.



Doubt we'll ever get the real story, but it's probably a lot more than just one or two things.

Additionally, if one does believe that next year is a "rebuilding" year (big euphemism) no matter what, and that Shaw (or Gould) knows that, the push may be to get guys who will be around for a few years the experience. Not good for guys who graduate this year.

Could it also be that Smith's dad was concerned re his son's FB future? He reportedly didn't press Shaw or his coaches re Smith's use during the season, but perhaps after it was a different story.

[old spanish trail]

When the Stanford offense was at its best, Austin Jones was a reliable target for McKee's passes.

No other running back last year showed Jones' ability to consistently make plays downfield.

I'm less sure about his blocking, but my perception is that Jones was the best among all the running backs at blocking to protect McKee.

I think both those observations are correct. Q. Does anybody have the figures re longest runs for Jones in 2019 and 2020?

---

[
I think it's a valid critique of Jones that he was not elusive. We did not see a burst of speed to find open space. He was not able to make defenders miss. Even in 2020, his best season when he averaged 92 yards a game with a more effective OL, his longest run was 21 yards. 

In 2021, his long runs were:

KState - 6 yards

USC - 5 yards

Vandy - 61 yards (career best); otherwise he had 6 carries for 19 yards

Oregon - 11 yards

ASU - 5 yards

WSU - 9 yards



You get the idea. At the end of the season, Shaw seemed to want to give more carries to backs with more big play potential.

Really good points Spiny. I'm wondering if these late transfer decisions were at least in part due to Shaw telling them that at best they'd be sharing snaps with Smith Filkins and Farrell. That's a really crowded backfield with more than three or four.



Doubt we'll ever get the real story, but it's probably a lot more than just one or two things.

Additionally, if one does believe that next year is a "rebuilding" year (big euphemism) no matter what, and that Shaw (or Gould) knows that, the push may be to get guys who will be around for a few years the experience. Not good for guys who graduate this year.

Could it also be that Smith's dad was concerned re his son's FB future? He reportedly didn't press Shaw or his coaches re Smith's use during the season, but perhaps after it was a different story.

[teejers1]

When the Stanford offense was at its best, Austin Jones was a reliable target for McKee's passes.

No other running back last year showed Jones' ability to consistently make plays downfield.

I'm less sure about his blocking, but my perception is that Jones was the best among all the running backs at blocking to protect McKee.

I think both those observations are correct. Q. Does anybody have the figures re longest runs for Jones in 2019 and 2020?

---

[
I think it's a valid critique of Jones that he was not elusive. We did not see a burst of speed to find open space. He was not able to make defenders miss. Even in 2020, his best season when he averaged 92 yards a game with a more effective OL, his longest run was 21 yards. 

In 2021, his long runs were:

KState - 6 yards

USC - 5 yards

Vandy - 61 yards (career best); otherwise he had 6 carries for 19 yards

Oregon - 11 yards

ASU - 5 yards

WSU - 9 yards



You get the idea. At the end of the season, Shaw seemed to want to give more carries to backs with more big play potential.

Really good points Spiny. I'm wondering if these late transfer decisions were at least in part due to Shaw telling them that at best they'd be sharing snaps with Smith Filkins and Farrell. That's a really crowded backfield with more than three or four.



Doubt we'll ever get the real story, but it's probably a lot more than just one or two things.

Additionally, if one does believe that next year is a "rebuilding" year (big euphemism) no matter what, and that Shaw (or Gould) knows that, the push may be to get guys who will be around for a few years the experience. Not good for guys who graduate this year.

Could it also be that Smith's dad was concerned re his son's FB future? He reportedly didn't press Shaw or his coaches re Smith's use during the season, but perhaps after it was a different story.

Per bio, Jones had a 35 yard TD run in 2019 against UCF.
Nothing in bio reflecting a long run in 2020.  A poster on TOS that Jones didn't have a lot of 10+ yard runs in 2020, so I think it's a reasonable bet that his longest run in 2020 would be in 10-25 yard range.

BTW, based on "eye test," I think Filkins has highest upside of all those in RB room.  Assuming he is healthy.  We'll see.

And you'd like to think the OL has to be better next season, meaning the ground game will have to improve.  Again, we'll see.

[teejers1]

When the Stanford offense was at its best, Austin Jones was a reliable target for McKee's passes.

No other running back last year showed Jones' ability to consistently make plays downfield.

I'm less sure about his blocking, but my perception is that Jones was the best among all the running backs at blocking to protect McKee.

I think both those observations are correct. Q. Does anybody have the figures re longest runs for Jones in 2019 and 2020?

---

[
I think it's a valid critique of Jones that he was not elusive. We did not see a burst of speed to find open space. He was not able to make defenders miss. Even in 2020, his best season when he averaged 92 yards a game with a more effective OL, his longest run was 21 yards. 

In 2021, his long runs were:

KState - 6 yards

USC - 5 yards

Vandy - 61 yards (career best); otherwise he had 6 carries for 19 yards

Oregon - 11 yards

ASU - 5 yards

WSU - 9 yards



You get the idea. At the end of the season, Shaw seemed to want to give more carries to backs with more big play potential.

Really good points Spiny. I'm wondering if these late transfer decisions were at least in part due to Shaw telling them that at best they'd be sharing snaps with Smith Filkins and Farrell. That's a really crowded backfield with more than three or four.



Doubt we'll ever get the real story, but it's probably a lot more than just one or two things.

Additionally, if one does believe that next year is a "rebuilding" year (big euphemism) no matter what, and that Shaw (or Gould) knows that, the push may be to get guys who will be around for a few years the experience. Not good for guys who graduate this year.

Could it also be that Smith's dad was concerned re his son's FB future? He reportedly didn't press Shaw or his coaches re Smith's use during the season, but perhaps after it was a different story.

Per bio, Jones had a 35 yard TD run in 2019 against UCF.
Nothing in bio reflecting a long run in 2020.  A poster on TOS that Jones didn't have a lot of 10+ yard runs in 2020, so I think it's a reasonable bet that his longest run in 2020 would be in 10-25 yard range.

BTW, based on "eye test," I think Filkins has highest upside of all those in RB room.  Assuming he is healthy.  We'll see.

And you'd like to think the OL has to be better next season, meaning the ground game will have to improve.  Again, we'll see.

[82lsju]

When the Stanford offense was at its best, Austin Jones was a reliable target for McKee's passes.

No other running back last year showed Jones' ability to consistently make plays downfield.

I'm less sure about his blocking, but my perception is that Jones was the best among all the running backs at blocking to protect McKee.

I think both those observations are correct. Q. Does anybody have the figures re longest runs for Jones in 2019 and 2020?

---

[
I think it's a valid critique of Jones that he was not elusive. We did not see a burst of speed to find open space. He was not able to make defenders miss. Even in 2020, his best season when he averaged 92 yards a game with a more effective OL, his longest run was 21 yards. 

In 2021, his long runs were:

KState - 6 yards

USC - 5 yards

Vandy - 61 yards (career best); otherwise he had 6 carries for 19 yards

Oregon - 11 yards

ASU - 5 yards

WSU - 9 yards



You get the idea. At the end of the season, Shaw seemed to want to give more carries to backs with more big play potential.

Really good points Spiny. I'm wondering if these late transfer decisions were at least in part due to Shaw telling them that at best they'd be sharing snaps with Smith Filkins and Farrell. That's a really crowded backfield with more than three or four.



Doubt we'll ever get the real story, but it's probably a lot more than just one or two things.

Additionally, if one does believe that next year is a "rebuilding" year (big euphemism) no matter what, and that Shaw (or Gould) knows that, the push may be to get guys who will be around for a few years the experience. Not good for guys who graduate this year.

Could it also be that Smith's dad was concerned re his son's FB future? He reportedly didn't press Shaw or his coaches re Smith's use during the season, but perhaps after it was a different story.

Per bio, Jones had a 35 yard TD run in 2019 against UCF.
Nothing in bio reflecting a long run in 2020.  A poster on TOS that Jones didn't have a lot of 10+ yard runs in 2020, so I think it's a reasonable bet that his longest run in 2020 would be in 10-25 yard range.

BTW, based on "eye test," I think Filkins has highest upside of all those in RB room.  Assuming he is healthy.  We'll see.

And you'd like to think the OL has to be better next season, meaning the ground game will have to improve.  Again, we'll see.

his longest run in 2020 was 21 yards

https://gostanford.com/sports/football/stats/2020

[82lsju]

When the Stanford offense was at its best, Austin Jones was a reliable target for McKee's passes.

No other running back last year showed Jones' ability to consistently make plays downfield.

I'm less sure about his blocking, but my perception is that Jones was the best among all the running backs at blocking to protect McKee.

I think both those observations are correct. Q. Does anybody have the figures re longest runs for Jones in 2019 and 2020?

---

[
I think it's a valid critique of Jones that he was not elusive. We did not see a burst of speed to find open space. He was not able to make defenders miss. Even in 2020, his best season when he averaged 92 yards a game with a more effective OL, his longest run was 21 yards. 

In 2021, his long runs were:

KState - 6 yards

USC - 5 yards

Vandy - 61 yards (career best); otherwise he had 6 carries for 19 yards

Oregon - 11 yards

ASU - 5 yards

WSU - 9 yards



You get the idea. At the end of the season, Shaw seemed to want to give more carries to backs with more big play potential.

Really good points Spiny. I'm wondering if these late transfer decisions were at least in part due to Shaw telling them that at best they'd be sharing snaps with Smith Filkins and Farrell. That's a really crowded backfield with more than three or four.



Doubt we'll ever get the real story, but it's probably a lot more than just one or two things.

Additionally, if one does believe that next year is a "rebuilding" year (big euphemism) no matter what, and that Shaw (or Gould) knows that, the push may be to get guys who will be around for a few years the experience. Not good for guys who graduate this year.

Could it also be that Smith's dad was concerned re his son's FB future? He reportedly didn't press Shaw or his coaches re Smith's use during the season, but perhaps after it was a different story.

Per bio, Jones had a 35 yard TD run in 2019 against UCF.
Nothing in bio reflecting a long run in 2020.  A poster on TOS that Jones didn't have a lot of 10+ yard runs in 2020, so I think it's a reasonable bet that his longest run in 2020 would be in 10-25 yard range.

BTW, based on "eye test," I think Filkins has highest upside of all those in RB room.  Assuming he is healthy.  We'll see.

And you'd like to think the OL has to be better next season, meaning the ground game will have to improve.  Again, we'll see.

his longest run in 2020 was 21 yards

https://gostanford.com/sports/football/stats/2020

[Phogge]

Whatever. The two weren't happy for whatever reason. Time to move on with kids who want to play. David Shaw will never be fired. The institution will never do that because they will face a torrent of criticism. Will David Shaw ever fire anyone? As Tennyson says, "The World Wonders."

[Phogge]

Whatever. The two weren't happy for whatever reason. Time to move on with kids who want to play. David Shaw will never be fired. The institution will never do that because they will face a torrent of criticism. Will David Shaw ever fire anyone? As Tennyson says, "The World Wonders."

[Goose]

And you'd like to think the OL has to be better next season, meaning the ground game will have to improve.  Again, we'll see.

One would think it will improve. Shaw has said that "it will be fixed". I certainly saw improvement in 2020. I expected more improvement in 2021. Didn't turn out that way, in fact it was the opposite. Indeed, it gives room for much concern IMHO. If the OL isn't significantly better in 2022, we are looking at another quite "bad" year. Indeed, there are other problems, but the OL has to be "Job 1" in my opinion. There is probably not as much that can be done on the DL because we just don't have the bodies. The OL has what on paper appears to be a group that can be better than they were last year. I hope they are.

[Goose]

And you'd like to think the OL has to be better next season, meaning the ground game will have to improve.  Again, we'll see.

One would think it will improve. Shaw has said that "it will be fixed". I certainly saw improvement in 2020. I expected more improvement in 2021. Didn't turn out that way, in fact it was the opposite. Indeed, it gives room for much concern IMHO. If the OL isn't significantly better in 2022, we are looking at another quite "bad" year. Indeed, there are other problems, but the OL has to be "Job 1" in my opinion. There is probably not as much that can be done on the DL because we just don't have the bodies. The OL has what on paper appears to be a group that can be better than they were last year. I hope they are.

[Phogge]

Disagree. The DL was so bad that it can't possibly get worse. Gone was one starter who contributed nothing and two others who underperformed.

[Phogge]

Disagree. The DL was so bad that it can't possibly get worse. Gone was one starter who contributed nothing and two others who underperformed.

[SamuelMcF]

Disagree. The DL was so bad that it can't possibly get worse. Gone was one starter who contributed nothing and two others who underperformed.

I think you'll be unpleasantly surprised.

[SamuelMcF]

Disagree. The DL was so bad that it can't possibly get worse. Gone was one starter who contributed nothing and two others who underperformed.

I think you'll be unpleasantly surprised.