[OutsiderFan]

Haven't followed it much this year, but I've gathered Austin Hooper was injured (didn't play) a lot of his Senior season.  Last week he had a monster game against Folsom in the Norcal playoffs.  Tonight his DLS team takes on Centennial for the California open division crown.

I've heard Stanford is interested in him and that the interest is mutual, but also heard he is a long shot for admissions.  After watching him play both TE and DE, to me he looks like a 4 star recruit.  Doesn't have elite top end speed, but man is he powerful, have great hands, and look relentless.  Seems he would fit in perfectly at Stanford.

My questions:  Has or will Hooper submit an application?  If yes, is there any chance he gets admitted?  I understand Stanford would like Allen and Cunningham, but honestly, I'd take Hooper over one of those guys. He's that good a player, IMO.  My read is if he is admitted he is farm-bound, but if not Stanford will be facing him annually at Washington or Notre Dame.

[OutsiderFan]

Haven't followed it much this year, but I've gathered Austin Hooper was injured (didn't play) a lot of his Senior season.  Last week he had a monster game against Folsom in the Norcal playoffs.  Tonight his DLS team takes on Centennial for the California open division crown.

I've heard Stanford is interested in him and that the interest is mutual, but also heard he is a long shot for admissions.  After watching him play both TE and DE, to me he looks like a 4 star recruit.  Doesn't have elite top end speed, but man is he powerful, have great hands, and look relentless.  Seems he would fit in perfectly at Stanford.

My questions:  Has or will Hooper submit an application?  If yes, is there any chance he gets admitted?  I understand Stanford would like Allen and Cunningham, but honestly, I'd take Hooper over one of those guys. He's that good a player, IMO.  My read is if he is admitted he is farm-bound, but if not Stanford will be facing him annually at Washington or Notre Dame.

[washingtonismoney]

I understand Stanford would like Allen and Cunningham, but honestly, I'd take Hooper over one of those guys.

Why not be greedy and take all three? There are apparently fifteen slots opening up next year; with Barton on his mission we've got nine incoming players. That leaves six open slots. Take those three plus Oser, Smythe and someone else and we're good.

In recruiting, greed is good.

[washingtonismoney]

I understand Stanford would like Allen and Cunningham, but honestly, I'd take Hooper over one of those guys.

Why not be greedy and take all three? There are apparently fifteen slots opening up next year; with Barton on his mission we've got nine incoming players. That leaves six open slots. Take those three plus Oser, Smythe and someone else and we're good.

In recruiting, greed is good.

[StannyBoy]

Hooper's uncle played at Stanford so I'm sure he comes if admitted.

[StannyBoy]

Hooper's uncle played at Stanford so I'm sure he comes if admitted.

[tfeldstein]

I have heard he has submitted an app. His 12/1 retake is key.

[tfeldstein]

I have heard he has submitted an app. His 12/1 retake is key.

[pincemob]

I like everything about Hooper.  That dude opens up some enormous holes on the left side for DLS.  I would not want to see him across the field for ND the next 3 years. 

[pincemob]

I like everything about Hooper.  That dude opens up some enormous holes on the left side for DLS.  I would not want to see him across the field for ND the next 3 years. 

[OutsiderFan]

Rivals story on Hooper today says he wants to visit Oregon, Oregon State, and California.  No mention of Stanford or Notre Dame in the very brief story.

[OutsiderFan]

Rivals story on Hooper today says he wants to visit Oregon, Oregon State, and California.  No mention of Stanford or Notre Dame in the very brief story.

[BobK]

You should read the other Rivals story  :).  But acceptance is the brobdingnagian key here.  I know duh.

[BobK]

You should read the other Rivals story  :).  But acceptance is the brobdingnagian key here.  I know duh.

[StannyBoy]

he said he may not have time to take an OV to Stanford but he's visited many times before so it hardly matters. Many players don't take OVs to their local schools.

[StannyBoy]

he said he may not have time to take an OV to Stanford but he's visited many times before so it hardly matters. Many players don't take OVs to their local schools.

[OutsiderFan]

California insiders now saying Hooper is going to choose between California and Stanford.  Seems if Hooper is admitted, he's Palo Alto bound, and if not, he's earmarked for Berkeley.  That said, he is planning a trip to Oregon.

To me, Hooper seems like exactly the athlete that fits Stanford's style; the jumbo athlete.  Given the depth Stanford has at OLB, my guess is Hooper is being recruited as a TE at Stanford.  He's probably being recruited as a DE for California. 

[OutsiderFan]

California insiders now saying Hooper is going to choose between California and Stanford.  Seems if Hooper is admitted, he's Palo Alto bound, and if not, he's earmarked for Berkeley.  That said, he is planning a trip to Oregon.

To me, Hooper seems like exactly the athlete that fits Stanford's style; the jumbo athlete.  Given the depth Stanford has at OLB, my guess is Hooper is being recruited as a TE at Stanford.  He's probably being recruited as a DE for California. 

[ColoradoTree]

I know we're loaded at OLB, but I think we're less loaded at the two DE spots, so I do think we'd focus on him at that position, especially with two TEs (Cotton and Taboada) already committed, with us in the lead for a third (Smythe). 4 TEs in a class of 15 or so is a little crazy, after all.

[ColoradoTree]

I know we're loaded at OLB, but I think we're less loaded at the two DE spots, so I do think we'd focus on him at that position, especially with two TEs (Cotton and Taboada) already committed, with us in the lead for a third (Smythe). 4 TEs in a class of 15 or so is a little crazy, after all.

[OutsiderFan]

I know we're loaded at OLB, but I think we're less loaded at the two DE spots, so I do think we'd focus on him at that position, especially with two TEs (Cotton and Taboada) already committed, with us in the lead for a third (Smythe). 4 TEs in a class of 15 or so is a little crazy, after all.

I think Stanford is pretty set at DE too.  In 2013:

Sr. Gardner
Jr. Anderson
Jr. Mauro
Jr. Hopkins
Jr. Salem
So. Shittu
Fr. Watkins
Fr. Lohn

And from all appearances Stanford is going to have a very solid 2014 DE class.  Scout shows Stanford in the running for its #1, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7th rated DEs in the country, and it seems Stanford is the heavy favorite for current #6 Nifae Lealao.

As for too many TEs, you have to be kidding, right?  I mean how did Stanford go wrong when they signed Ertz, Toilolo, Hewitt, and Najvar in the same class?  I'd feel fairly confident saying Smythe and Cotton would stay at TE for sure, but both Taboada and Hooper could make their way to defense.

Stanford has trouble loading up on the WR/DB-type athletes, but it can load up on jumbo athletes to make up the difference.  Get them on campus and then figure out where to play them.  Hooper would have to put on more weight to be a DE, but already is plenty big enough for OLB duty.

BTW, just read California is recruiting Hooper as an athlete.  They like him at TE, but he would likely be earmarked to DE with California switching to a 4-3 defense under Andy Buh.

[OutsiderFan]

I know we're loaded at OLB, but I think we're less loaded at the two DE spots, so I do think we'd focus on him at that position, especially with two TEs (Cotton and Taboada) already committed, with us in the lead for a third (Smythe). 4 TEs in a class of 15 or so is a little crazy, after all.

I think Stanford is pretty set at DE too.  In 2013:

Sr. Gardner
Jr. Anderson
Jr. Mauro
Jr. Hopkins
Jr. Salem
So. Shittu
Fr. Watkins
Fr. Lohn

And from all appearances Stanford is going to have a very solid 2014 DE class.  Scout shows Stanford in the running for its #1, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7th rated DEs in the country, and it seems Stanford is the heavy favorite for current #6 Nifae Lealao.

As for too many TEs, you have to be kidding, right?  I mean how did Stanford go wrong when they signed Ertz, Toilolo, Hewitt, and Najvar in the same class?  I'd feel fairly confident saying Smythe and Cotton would stay at TE for sure, but both Taboada and Hooper could make their way to defense.

Stanford has trouble loading up on the WR/DB-type athletes, but it can load up on jumbo athletes to make up the difference.  Get them on campus and then figure out where to play them.  Hooper would have to put on more weight to be a DE, but already is plenty big enough for OLB duty.

BTW, just read California is recruiting Hooper as an athlete.  They like him at TE, but he would likely be earmarked to DE with California switching to a 4-3 defense under Andy Buh.

[StannyBoy]

Mauro was in the 09 class with Gardner so he'll be a senior. Salem and Hopkins redshirted so they will be sophomores. And Hopkins knee doesn't seem to have healed back to 100% so it is possible he'll take a medical retirement.

[StannyBoy]

Mauro was in the 09 class with Gardner so he'll be a senior. Salem and Hopkins redshirted so they will be sophomores. And Hopkins knee doesn't seem to have healed back to 100% so it is possible he'll take a medical retirement.

[JohnR34231]

Too bad on Hopkins. I thought he was really going to be a player for us.

[JohnR34231]

Too bad on Hopkins. I thought he was really going to be a player for us.

[slide]

agreed on Hopkins.  I don't think Salem is a PT candidate among this group.

[slide]

agreed on Hopkins.  I don't think Salem is a PT candidate among this group.

[socalstanfan1]

Disappointing to hear about Hopkins.  I think we have all (or, maybe it is just me) have come to believe the miracles of modern science can treat all of these injuries; it makes recovery in cases such as Skov and Toilolo all the more remarkable.

In looking at the depth chart for DE, you may want to include Ikenna Nwafor in there someplace.  I know he is listed as a DT, but at 6-6, I wonder about his ability to bend his knees adequately for the interior line; and a super-athletic guy with Henry Anderson's height and the bulk to match an OT could be awesome.  I think Nwafor has a chance to play anywhere along the line.

Regarding Nifae Lealao, I believe I saw a tweet from him after the Rose Bowl referring to the Stanford FB team as "my guys."  Gotta love how that sounds.  Hope he clears admissions, when the time comes.

[socalstanfan1]

Disappointing to hear about Hopkins.  I think we have all (or, maybe it is just me) have come to believe the miracles of modern science can treat all of these injuries; it makes recovery in cases such as Skov and Toilolo all the more remarkable.

In looking at the depth chart for DE, you may want to include Ikenna Nwafor in there someplace.  I know he is listed as a DT, but at 6-6, I wonder about his ability to bend his knees adequately for the interior line; and a super-athletic guy with Henry Anderson's height and the bulk to match an OT could be awesome.  I think Nwafor has a chance to play anywhere along the line.

Regarding Nifae Lealao, I believe I saw a tweet from him after the Rose Bowl referring to the Stanford FB team as "my guys."  Gotta love how that sounds.  Hope he clears admissions, when the time comes.