[pcgoode]

Announced this morning via Instagram.

[pcgoode]

Announced this morning via Instagram.

[qwerty49]

Ouch. Not exactly a tribute to the OL.

[qwerty49]

Ouch. Not exactly a tribute to the OL.

[needle]

This news is somewhere between terrible and cataclysmic for the ol' zeitgeist.

So far removed from the days of Toby, Stepfan and Bryce.

[needle]

This news is somewhere between terrible and cataclysmic for the ol' zeitgeist.

So far removed from the days of Toby, Stepfan and Bryce.

[TrumpCard]

With some transfers, we can hypothesize that the player just wants to move closer to home, be with family, have family attend games, etc.  Is there any fig leaf here?  Jones' potential departure pretty clearly seems to be an indictment of the program, whether it be the OL, the coaching staff, or whatever.

[TrumpCard]

With some transfers, we can hypothesize that the player just wants to move closer to home, be with family, have family attend games, etc.  Is there any fig leaf here?  Jones' potential departure pretty clearly seems to be an indictment of the program, whether it be the OL, the coaching staff, or whatever.

[SamuelMcF]

With some transfers, we can hypothesize that the player just wants to move closer to home, be with family, have family attend games, etc.  Is there any fig leaf here?  Jones' potential departure pretty clearly seems to be an indictment of the program, whether it be the OL, the coaching staff, or whatever.

No fig leaf.

To which I say: good. Starters who have not graduated voting with their feet is a significant highly-visible indictment of a failing program, and - in a world where Muir weren't AD - would crank up the pressure big time. It's one thing for a bunch of graduating not-really-contributors to leave. This is a whole new low.

[As qwerty mentioned, the OL was very bad. But that's to be expected with younger players under a new coach (recall Carberry's first line), and all 5 are returning. In fact, until this announcement, the entire starting offense was returning.]

[SamuelMcF]

With some transfers, we can hypothesize that the player just wants to move closer to home, be with family, have family attend games, etc.  Is there any fig leaf here?  Jones' potential departure pretty clearly seems to be an indictment of the program, whether it be the OL, the coaching staff, or whatever.

No fig leaf.

To which I say: good. Starters who have not graduated voting with their feet is a significant highly-visible indictment of a failing program, and - in a world where Muir weren't AD - would crank up the pressure big time. It's one thing for a bunch of graduating not-really-contributors to leave. This is a whole new low.

[As qwerty mentioned, the OL was very bad. But that's to be expected with younger players under a new coach (recall Carberry's first line), and all 5 are returning. In fact, until this announcement, the entire starting offense was returning.]

[CardinalSagehen]

Nathaniel Peat is also in the portal. Both guys would have been seniors.  This is the “anti 40-year decision” by guys that had previously made the 40-year decision and that were getting close to their degrees. They could have stayed and grad-transferred after next season with the degree in hand.  

Unless these guys were told straight-up that Smith and Filkins would be leapfrogging them on the depth chart (which they almost certainly were not), this is an extreme vote of no-confidence.

However, I don’t think it really makes much difference on the field for next season.  The only thing that will make a difference is if the OL gels and improves tremendously in the off-season. Even CMac, Toby, and Bryce could not have been effective behind last year’s line.

[CardinalSagehen]

Nathaniel Peat is also in the portal. Both guys would have been seniors.  This is the “anti 40-year decision” by guys that had previously made the 40-year decision and that were getting close to their degrees. They could have stayed and grad-transferred after next season with the degree in hand.  

Unless these guys were told straight-up that Smith and Filkins would be leapfrogging them on the depth chart (which they almost certainly were not), this is an extreme vote of no-confidence.

However, I don’t think it really makes much difference on the field for next season.  The only thing that will make a difference is if the OL gels and improves tremendously in the off-season. Even CMac, Toby, and Bryce could not have been effective behind last year’s line.

[Goose]

Nathaniel Peat is also in the portal. Both guys would have been seniors.  This is the “anti 40-year decision” by guys that had previously made the 40-year decision and that were getting close to their degrees. They could have stayed and grad-transferred after next season with the degree in hand.  

Unless these guys were told straight-up that Smith and Filkins would be leapfrogging them on the depth chart (which they almost certainly were not), this is an extreme vote of no-confidence.

It is an extreme vote of no-confidence whatever the reason. It could be that both players just don't believe that the OL is actually going to be materially better. If that is the case, 3-9 or worse here we come. It also could be that they were told that Stanford intends to continue de-emphasizing the running game. If that is indeed the case, it is certainly bad news for Jones and Peat. It could be that the coaches believe the OL can pass block but not run block. There is some reason to believe this may be so based on last year. Again, not good news but at least a rational plan given where we appeared to be last year. Shaw has said that the OL will get "fixed". Perhaps after further review that is deemed not possible and we are going with plan B. Yikes!

However, I don’t think it really makes much difference on the field for next season.  The only thing that will make a difference is if the OL gels and improves tremendously in the off-season. Even CMac, Toby, and Bryce could not have been effective behind last year’s line.

Basically agree. One important change that occurred with CMac and Bryce was that the back was expected to be patient and pick the hole as it was actually created as opposed to a pre-defined point of attack that Toby would hit as quickly as possible. Definitely a different running style adopted to exploit different skill sets of both the backs and the OL. When no hole opens up, which has been far to frequently the case of late, Bryce and his successors end up getting hit in the backfield. Bryce was so skilled that he would get enough big plays to in large measure compensate for those TFLs. His successors have not been so fortunate. I think many of the fans believe this style isn't working, but as the OP says, if the OL doesn't massively improve no style will work.

[Goose]

Nathaniel Peat is also in the portal. Both guys would have been seniors.  This is the “anti 40-year decision” by guys that had previously made the 40-year decision and that were getting close to their degrees. They could have stayed and grad-transferred after next season with the degree in hand.  

Unless these guys were told straight-up that Smith and Filkins would be leapfrogging them on the depth chart (which they almost certainly were not), this is an extreme vote of no-confidence.

It is an extreme vote of no-confidence whatever the reason. It could be that both players just don't believe that the OL is actually going to be materially better. If that is the case, 3-9 or worse here we come. It also could be that they were told that Stanford intends to continue de-emphasizing the running game. If that is indeed the case, it is certainly bad news for Jones and Peat. It could be that the coaches believe the OL can pass block but not run block. There is some reason to believe this may be so based on last year. Again, not good news but at least a rational plan given where we appeared to be last year. Shaw has said that the OL will get "fixed". Perhaps after further review that is deemed not possible and we are going with plan B. Yikes!

However, I don’t think it really makes much difference on the field for next season.  The only thing that will make a difference is if the OL gels and improves tremendously in the off-season. Even CMac, Toby, and Bryce could not have been effective behind last year’s line.

Basically agree. One important change that occurred with CMac and Bryce was that the back was expected to be patient and pick the hole as it was actually created as opposed to a pre-defined point of attack that Toby would hit as quickly as possible. Definitely a different running style adopted to exploit different skill sets of both the backs and the OL. When no hole opens up, which has been far to frequently the case of late, Bryce and his successors end up getting hit in the backfield. Bryce was so skilled that he would get enough big plays to in large measure compensate for those TFLs. His successors have not been so fortunate. I think many of the fans believe this style isn't working, but as the OP says, if the OL doesn't massively improve no style will work.

[OutsiderFan]

Austin Jones has never lived up to being the #6 RB in his class. Of course, numerous top Stanford recruits have failed to do so too.

I'm ambivalent about all things Stanford Football now. There is no indication anything is getting better and how can Jones transferring make anything worse? The whole program feels very small and impotent now, like it is being led by General McClellan.

[OutsiderFan]

Austin Jones has never lived up to being the #6 RB in his class. Of course, numerous top Stanford recruits have failed to do so too.

I'm ambivalent about all things Stanford Football now. There is no indication anything is getting better and how can Jones transferring make anything worse? The whole program feels very small and impotent now, like it is being led by General McClellan.

[old spanish trail]

Wow! Wasn't totally surprised by Peat, but this is shocking. He's local and wanted to be here. They must have serious doubts that the OL problem can be fixed. Even pass first offenses have big room for a productive RB. Like someone above, I haven't been troubled by Grads "taking their skills" elsewhere where they may have a better chance of starting. This is not that.

[old spanish trail]

Wow! Wasn't totally surprised by Peat, but this is shocking. He's local and wanted to be here. They must have serious doubts that the OL problem can be fixed. Even pass first offenses have big room for a productive RB. Like someone above, I haven't been troubled by Grads "taking their skills" elsewhere where they may have a better chance of starting. This is not that.

[SamuelMcF]

Austin Jones has never lived up to being the #6 RB in his class. Of course, numerous top Stanford recruits have failed to do so too.

I'm ambivalent about all things Stanford Football now. There is no indication anything is getting better and how can Jones transferring make anything worse? The whole program feels very small and impotent now, like it is being led by General McClellan.

Nit: numerous top recruits EVERYWHERE have failed to do so too. But at the factories, they are swiftly replaced by another top recruit. At other schools, they are swiftly replaced by transfers.

[SamuelMcF]

Austin Jones has never lived up to being the #6 RB in his class. Of course, numerous top Stanford recruits have failed to do so too.

I'm ambivalent about all things Stanford Football now. There is no indication anything is getting better and how can Jones transferring make anything worse? The whole program feels very small and impotent now, like it is being led by General McClellan.

Nit: numerous top recruits EVERYWHERE have failed to do so too. But at the factories, they are swiftly replaced by another top recruit. At other schools, they are swiftly replaced by transfers.

[OutsiderFan]

Austin Jones has never lived up to being the #6 RB in his class. Of course, numerous top Stanford recruits have failed to do so too.

I'm ambivalent about all things Stanford Football now. There is no indication anything is getting better and how can Jones transferring make anything worse? The whole program feels very small and impotent now, like it is being led by General McClellan.

Nit: numerous top recruits EVERYWHERE have failed to do so too. But at the factories, they are swiftly replaced by another top recruit. At other schools, they are swiftly replaced by transfers.

Building on your nit... I heard Michael Irvin talking about the transfer portal to Colin Cowherd this week. He said that for the top players it is basically a place to test the bastardized free agency college sports now have, but in the main it is a tool for coaches to wash guys out of the program who aren't performing as expected, to make room for the next recruit with promise to be better.

As it relates to Stanford, if Shaw isn't forcing out way underperforming assistants, he sure as hell isn't telling underperforming players to transfer so they can be replaced by better recruits.

[OutsiderFan]

Austin Jones has never lived up to being the #6 RB in his class. Of course, numerous top Stanford recruits have failed to do so too.

I'm ambivalent about all things Stanford Football now. There is no indication anything is getting better and how can Jones transferring make anything worse? The whole program feels very small and impotent now, like it is being led by General McClellan.

Nit: numerous top recruits EVERYWHERE have failed to do so too. But at the factories, they are swiftly replaced by another top recruit. At other schools, they are swiftly replaced by transfers.

Building on your nit... I heard Michael Irvin talking about the transfer portal to Colin Cowherd this week. He said that for the top players it is basically a place to test the bastardized free agency college sports now have, but in the main it is a tool for coaches to wash guys out of the program who aren't performing as expected, to make room for the next recruit with promise to be better.

As it relates to Stanford, if Shaw isn't forcing out way underperforming assistants, he sure as hell isn't telling underperforming players to transfer so they can be replaced by better recruits.

[BobK]

Or Shaw is OF. Still one over the limit of 85

[BobK]

Or Shaw is OF. Still one over the limit of 85

[SamuelMcF]

Austin Jones has never lived up to being the #6 RB in his class. Of course, numerous top Stanford recruits have failed to do so too.

I'm ambivalent about all things Stanford Football now. There is no indication anything is getting better and how can Jones transferring make anything worse? The whole program feels very small and impotent now, like it is being led by General McClellan.

Nit: numerous top recruits EVERYWHERE have failed to do so too. But at the factories, they are swiftly replaced by another top recruit. At other schools, they are swiftly replaced by transfers.

Building on your nit... I heard Michael Irvin talking about the transfer portal to Colin Cowherd this week. He said that for the top players it is basically a place to test the bastardized free agency college sports now have, but in the main it is a tool for coaches to wash guys out of the program who aren't performing as expected, to make room for the next recruit with promise to be better.

As it relates to Stanford, if Shaw isn't forcing out way underperforming assistants, he sure as hell isn't telling underperforming players to transfer so they can be replaced by better recruits.

Agree on all counts, except the very last one a bit. Graduating scholarship seniors who have contributed nothing have been "not invited back" in years past. Not that many people here will know who these players are since they did precisely nothing at Stanford, but semi-recent examples include Taijuan Thomas, Lane Veach, Denzel Franklin, Jack Dreyer, and Jay Tyler. Nowadays these non-contributing players can be simply "encouraged" to enter the portal and try to convince another team to give them a scholarship.

That's my only disagreement. Certainly Shaw isn't telling underperforming NON-SENIORS to leave, as you stated. The degree/graduation rate is one of the only things he can still hang his hat on.

[SamuelMcF]

Austin Jones has never lived up to being the #6 RB in his class. Of course, numerous top Stanford recruits have failed to do so too.

I'm ambivalent about all things Stanford Football now. There is no indication anything is getting better and how can Jones transferring make anything worse? The whole program feels very small and impotent now, like it is being led by General McClellan.

Nit: numerous top recruits EVERYWHERE have failed to do so too. But at the factories, they are swiftly replaced by another top recruit. At other schools, they are swiftly replaced by transfers.

Building on your nit... I heard Michael Irvin talking about the transfer portal to Colin Cowherd this week. He said that for the top players it is basically a place to test the bastardized free agency college sports now have, but in the main it is a tool for coaches to wash guys out of the program who aren't performing as expected, to make room for the next recruit with promise to be better.

As it relates to Stanford, if Shaw isn't forcing out way underperforming assistants, he sure as hell isn't telling underperforming players to transfer so they can be replaced by better recruits.

Agree on all counts, except the very last one a bit. Graduating scholarship seniors who have contributed nothing have been "not invited back" in years past. Not that many people here will know who these players are since they did precisely nothing at Stanford, but semi-recent examples include Taijuan Thomas, Lane Veach, Denzel Franklin, Jack Dreyer, and Jay Tyler. Nowadays these non-contributing players can be simply "encouraged" to enter the portal and try to convince another team to give them a scholarship.

That's my only disagreement. Certainly Shaw isn't telling underperforming NON-SENIORS to leave, as you stated. The degree/graduation rate is one of the only things he can still hang his hat on.

[DC 86]

Austin Jones has never lived up to being the #6 RB in his class. Of course, numerous top Stanford recruits have failed to do so too.

Nit: numerous top recruits EVERYWHERE have failed to do so too. But at the factories, they are swiftly replaced by another top recruit. At other schools, they are swiftly replaced by transfers.

Jones was ranked as the #7 RB recruit in the class of 2019.

1. Trey Sanders (Alabama): rushed for 314 yards and 2 TD this year in a backup role. They had Brian Robinson handling things for them with 1,343 rushing yards and 14 TD.

2. John Emery (LSU): academically ineligible this year (566 career rushing yards in his career preciously). Davis-Pryce ran for 1,003 yards and 6 TD for them this year.

3. Jerrion Ealy (Ole Miss): split carries with two other backs and ran for 768 yards and 5 TD this year.

4. Zack Charbonnet (Michigan): transferred to UCLA and rushed for 1,137 yards and 13 TD this year. Hassan Haskins and Blake Corum combined for 2,279 rushing yards and 31 TD this year for Michigan.

5. Devyn Ford (Penn State) and 6. Noah Cain (Penn State). Ford rushed for 61 yards this year (0 TD) and Cain rushed for 350 yards (4 TD) this year.

Summary: five of the six RB ranked ahead of Austin Jones have underwhelmed, and the sixth (Charbonnet) transferred. But to Sam's point, those programs for the most part have compensated, whereas Stanford can't afford to miss on recruits.

[DC 86]

Austin Jones has never lived up to being the #6 RB in his class. Of course, numerous top Stanford recruits have failed to do so too.

Nit: numerous top recruits EVERYWHERE have failed to do so too. But at the factories, they are swiftly replaced by another top recruit. At other schools, they are swiftly replaced by transfers.

Jones was ranked as the #7 RB recruit in the class of 2019.

1. Trey Sanders (Alabama): rushed for 314 yards and 2 TD this year in a backup role. They had Brian Robinson handling things for them with 1,343 rushing yards and 14 TD.

2. John Emery (LSU): academically ineligible this year (566 career rushing yards in his career preciously). Davis-Pryce ran for 1,003 yards and 6 TD for them this year.

3. Jerrion Ealy (Ole Miss): split carries with two other backs and ran for 768 yards and 5 TD this year.

4. Zack Charbonnet (Michigan): transferred to UCLA and rushed for 1,137 yards and 13 TD this year. Hassan Haskins and Blake Corum combined for 2,279 rushing yards and 31 TD this year for Michigan.

5. Devyn Ford (Penn State) and 6. Noah Cain (Penn State). Ford rushed for 61 yards this year (0 TD) and Cain rushed for 350 yards (4 TD) this year.

Summary: five of the six RB ranked ahead of Austin Jones have underwhelmed, and the sixth (Charbonnet) transferred. But to Sam's point, those programs for the most part have compensated, whereas Stanford can't afford to miss on recruits.

[winflop]

Austin Jones has never lived up to being the #6 RB in his class. Of course, numerous top Stanford recruits have failed to do so too.

I'm ambivalent about all things Stanford Football now. There is no indication anything is getting better and how can Jones transferring make anything worse? The whole program feels very small and impotent now, like it is being led by General McClellan.

Nit: numerous top recruits EVERYWHERE have failed to do so too. But at the factories, they are swiftly replaced by another top recruit. At other schools, they are swiftly replaced by transfers.

Building on your nit... I heard Michael Irvin talking about the transfer portal to Colin Cowherd this week. He said that for the top players it is basically a place to test the bastardized free agency college sports now have, but in the main it is a tool for coaches to wash guys out of the program who aren't performing as expected, to make room for the next recruit with promise to be better.

As it relates to Stanford, if Shaw isn't forcing out way underperforming assistants, he sure as hell isn't telling underperforming players to transfer so they can be replaced by better recruits.

I am increasingly thinking it's Shaw who needs to be in the portal...

[winflop]

Austin Jones has never lived up to being the #6 RB in his class. Of course, numerous top Stanford recruits have failed to do so too.

I'm ambivalent about all things Stanford Football now. There is no indication anything is getting better and how can Jones transferring make anything worse? The whole program feels very small and impotent now, like it is being led by General McClellan.

Nit: numerous top recruits EVERYWHERE have failed to do so too. But at the factories, they are swiftly replaced by another top recruit. At other schools, they are swiftly replaced by transfers.

Building on your nit... I heard Michael Irvin talking about the transfer portal to Colin Cowherd this week. He said that for the top players it is basically a place to test the bastardized free agency college sports now have, but in the main it is a tool for coaches to wash guys out of the program who aren't performing as expected, to make room for the next recruit with promise to be better.

As it relates to Stanford, if Shaw isn't forcing out way underperforming assistants, he sure as hell isn't telling underperforming players to transfer so they can be replaced by better recruits.

I am increasingly thinking it's Shaw who needs to be in the portal...

[newguy]

Austin Jones has never lived up to being the #6 RB in his class. Of course, numerous top Stanford recruits have failed to do so too.

I'm ambivalent about all things Stanford Football now. There is no indication anything is getting better and how can Jones transferring make anything worse? The whole program feels very small and impotent now, like it is being led by General McClellan.

Nit: numerous top recruits EVERYWHERE have failed to do so too. But at the factories, they are swiftly replaced by another top recruit. At other schools, they are swiftly replaced by transfers.

Building on your nit... I heard Michael Irvin talking about the transfer portal to Colin Cowherd this week. He said that for the top players it is basically a place to test the bastardized free agency college sports now have, but in the main it is a tool for coaches to wash guys out of the program who aren't performing as expected, to make room for the next recruit with promise to be better.

As it relates to Stanford, if Shaw isn't forcing out way underperforming assistants, he sure as hell isn't telling underperforming players to transfer so they can be replaced by better recruits.

I am increasingly thinking it's Shaw who needs to be in the portal...

I'm thinking the same.

[newguy]

Austin Jones has never lived up to being the #6 RB in his class. Of course, numerous top Stanford recruits have failed to do so too.

I'm ambivalent about all things Stanford Football now. There is no indication anything is getting better and how can Jones transferring make anything worse? The whole program feels very small and impotent now, like it is being led by General McClellan.

Nit: numerous top recruits EVERYWHERE have failed to do so too. But at the factories, they are swiftly replaced by another top recruit. At other schools, they are swiftly replaced by transfers.

Building on your nit... I heard Michael Irvin talking about the transfer portal to Colin Cowherd this week. He said that for the top players it is basically a place to test the bastardized free agency college sports now have, but in the main it is a tool for coaches to wash guys out of the program who aren't performing as expected, to make room for the next recruit with promise to be better.

As it relates to Stanford, if Shaw isn't forcing out way underperforming assistants, he sure as hell isn't telling underperforming players to transfer so they can be replaced by better recruits.

I am increasingly thinking it's Shaw who needs to be in the portal...

I'm thinking the same.

[slide]

I'm thinking the same.

at the current price range and W/L record over the past 3 years, being in the portal doesn't mean you attract attention.

[slide]

I'm thinking the same.

at the current price range and W/L record over the past 3 years, being in the portal doesn't mean you attract attention.

[Goose]

This may or may not mean anything, but both Jones and Peat are on the small side compared to the other backs on this list. These are all ESPN numbers, so it is as close to a level playing field as I can get.

Noah Cain 5'10"         220
Devyn Ford 5'11"       200
Zack Charbonnet 6'1" 220
Jerrion Ealy 5'9"        185
John Emery 5'11"      215
Trey Sanders 6'0"      214

Austin Jones 5'10"     201
Nathaniel Peat 5'10"  197

E. J. Smith      6'0"    208
Casey Filkins  5'11"   205


The two other backs are a bit bigger. Austin Jones is listed at 190 lbs on the Stanford Roster. Peat is listed as 197. Smith is listed at 210 and Filkins is listed at 195, which may be more accurate. As Phogge has noted, both Jones and Peat didn't impress as powerful guys. FWIW, Bryce Love in 2018 was listed as 5'10" 202, so a bit bigger than 197 and 190. CMac was listed in 2016 as 6'1" and 200 and Love was listed at 187, so it just isn't all based on size. However, for reference Scarlett 6'1" 220, Isaiah Sanders 6'2"  226 (we probably should have used him as a running back on downs other than third), Gaffney 6'1" 226, Stephan Taylor 5'11" 215, Toby 6'1" 235

No question our backs have been getting smaller and lighter. Naturally, if the OL doesn't improve it won't matter what size our backs are, but if we are going to run the ball reliably IMHO we need bigger guys. Love and CMac were exceptional athletes but we can't rely on getting those kind of guys year in and year out. We need bigger backs who can catch.

[Goose]

This may or may not mean anything, but both Jones and Peat are on the small side compared to the other backs on this list. These are all ESPN numbers, so it is as close to a level playing field as I can get.

Noah Cain 5'10"         220
Devyn Ford 5'11"       200
Zack Charbonnet 6'1" 220
Jerrion Ealy 5'9"        185
John Emery 5'11"      215
Trey Sanders 6'0"      214

Austin Jones 5'10"     201
Nathaniel Peat 5'10"  197

E. J. Smith      6'0"    208
Casey Filkins  5'11"   205


The two other backs are a bit bigger. Austin Jones is listed at 190 lbs on the Stanford Roster. Peat is listed as 197. Smith is listed at 210 and Filkins is listed at 195, which may be more accurate. As Phogge has noted, both Jones and Peat didn't impress as powerful guys. FWIW, Bryce Love in 2018 was listed as 5'10" 202, so a bit bigger than 197 and 190. CMac was listed in 2016 as 6'1" and 200 and Love was listed at 187, so it just isn't all based on size. However, for reference Scarlett 6'1" 220, Isaiah Sanders 6'2"  226 (we probably should have used him as a running back on downs other than third), Gaffney 6'1" 226, Stephan Taylor 5'11" 215, Toby 6'1" 235

No question our backs have been getting smaller and lighter. Naturally, if the OL doesn't improve it won't matter what size our backs are, but if we are going to run the ball reliably IMHO we need bigger guys. Love and CMac were exceptional athletes but we can't rely on getting those kind of guys year in and year out. We need bigger backs who can catch.

[SamuelMcF]

This may or may not mean anything, but both Jones and Peat are on the small side compared to the other backs on this list. These are all ESPN numbers, so it is as close to a level playing field as I can get.

Noah Cain 5'10"         220
Devyn Ford 5'11"       200
Zack Charbonnet 6'1" 220
Jerrion Ealy 5'9"        185
John Emery 5'11"      215
Trey Sanders 6'0"      214

Austin Jones 5'10"     201
Nathaniel Peat 5'10"  197

E. J. Smith      6'0"    208
Casey Filkins  5'11"   205


The two other backs are a bit bigger. Austin Jones is listed at 190 lbs on the Stanford Roster. Peat is listed as 197. Smith is listed at 210 and Filkins is listed at 195, which may be more accurate. As Phogge has noted, both Jones and Peat didn't impress as powerful guys. FWIW, Bryce Love in 2018 was listed as 5'10" 202, so a bit bigger than 197 and 190. CMac was listed in 2016 as 6'1" and 200 and Love was listed at 187, so it just isn't all based on size. However, for reference Scarlett 6'1" 220, Isaiah Sanders 6'2"  226 (we probably should have used him as a running back on downs other than third), Gaffney 6'1" 226, Stephan Taylor 5'11" 215, Toby 6'1" 235

No question our backs have been getting smaller and lighter. Naturally, if the OL doesn't improve it won't matter what size our backs are, but if we are going to run the ball reliably IMHO we need bigger guys. Love and CMac were exceptional athletes but we can't rely on getting those kind of guys year in and year out. We need bigger backs who can catch.

Jones was 210 last season, before losing some weight (unsure why). He was very much a bigger back who could catch.

[SamuelMcF]

This may or may not mean anything, but both Jones and Peat are on the small side compared to the other backs on this list. These are all ESPN numbers, so it is as close to a level playing field as I can get.

Noah Cain 5'10"         220
Devyn Ford 5'11"       200
Zack Charbonnet 6'1" 220
Jerrion Ealy 5'9"        185
John Emery 5'11"      215
Trey Sanders 6'0"      214

Austin Jones 5'10"     201
Nathaniel Peat 5'10"  197

E. J. Smith      6'0"    208
Casey Filkins  5'11"   205


The two other backs are a bit bigger. Austin Jones is listed at 190 lbs on the Stanford Roster. Peat is listed as 197. Smith is listed at 210 and Filkins is listed at 195, which may be more accurate. As Phogge has noted, both Jones and Peat didn't impress as powerful guys. FWIW, Bryce Love in 2018 was listed as 5'10" 202, so a bit bigger than 197 and 190. CMac was listed in 2016 as 6'1" and 200 and Love was listed at 187, so it just isn't all based on size. However, for reference Scarlett 6'1" 220, Isaiah Sanders 6'2"  226 (we probably should have used him as a running back on downs other than third), Gaffney 6'1" 226, Stephan Taylor 5'11" 215, Toby 6'1" 235

No question our backs have been getting smaller and lighter. Naturally, if the OL doesn't improve it won't matter what size our backs are, but if we are going to run the ball reliably IMHO we need bigger guys. Love and CMac were exceptional athletes but we can't rely on getting those kind of guys year in and year out. We need bigger backs who can catch.

Jones was 210 last season, before losing some weight (unsure why). He was very much a bigger back who could catch.

[Goose]

Jones was 210 last season, before losing some weight (unsure why). He was very much a bigger back who could catch.

The roster from last year shows him at 190. When specifically asked, he said he lost the weight to make him quicker. Jones did show he was a competent pass blocker in 2020 and he did run routes well enough in 2020 to get some catches, 21 receptions for 156 yards. That is 26 yards per game, which isn't that remarkable. I remember a couple of wheel routes that were important plays at the time. He seemed to regress subsequently IMHO. I had hopes for him as a "bigger" back, but he in fact went the other way and got lighter. I wonder if he got some bad advice from the staff. Hard to know given the OL performance but I never really saw him as a guy that could move a pile.

[Goose]

Jones was 210 last season, before losing some weight (unsure why). He was very much a bigger back who could catch.

The roster from last year shows him at 190. When specifically asked, he said he lost the weight to make him quicker. Jones did show he was a competent pass blocker in 2020 and he did run routes well enough in 2020 to get some catches, 21 receptions for 156 yards. That is 26 yards per game, which isn't that remarkable. I remember a couple of wheel routes that were important plays at the time. He seemed to regress subsequently IMHO. I had hopes for him as a "bigger" back, but he in fact went the other way and got lighter. I wonder if he got some bad advice from the staff. Hard to know given the OL performance but I never really saw him as a guy that could move a pile.