[needle]

No brobdingnagian surprises for me, but the biggest one for me on defense was to see Lueders equal with Vaughers as co-starters at this point.


http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/stan..._Chart.pdf

[needle]

No brobdingnagian surprises for me, but the biggest one for me on defense was to see Lueders equal with Vaughers as co-starters at this point.


http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/stan..._Chart.pdf

[Hank 91]

Coach Shaw is going to be in Southern California next month for an alumni gathering, and Question #1 from me -- as it was last year -- will be about Vaughters. Based on his high school ranking and the raves from the Stanford coaching staff since his signing, he should be a dominant, game-changing linebacker by now. I'm not sure what's happened.

[Hank 91]

Coach Shaw is going to be in Southern California next month for an alumni gathering, and Question #1 from me -- as it was last year -- will be about Vaughters. Based on his high school ranking and the raves from the Stanford coaching staff since his signing, he should be a dominant, game-changing linebacker by now. I'm not sure what's happened.

[StannyBoy]

Vaughters and Lueders being co-starters is no surprise. Shaw has been saying this for several months. Both were rated about the same coming out of HS.

[StannyBoy]

Vaughters and Lueders being co-starters is no surprise. Shaw has been saying this for several months. Both were rated about the same coming out of HS.

[washingtonismoney]

Did we list Kelsey Young as a WR last season?

Yes.

Based on his high school ranking ...

Well, as we know the whole high school ranking thing is only an expression of odds rather than certainty. It's a nice bet. In this case, Vaughters is stuck behind a) maybe the best OLB in the Pac-12 and b) another highly-ranked OLB who's a year older and more mature. It's not quite a "don't worry be happy" scenario, but these are the kinds of things that happen with prosperity: sometimes a career backup QB becomes an NFL starter (oh hello Matt Cassell).

[washingtonismoney]

Did we list Kelsey Young as a WR last season?

Yes.

Based on his high school ranking ...

Well, as we know the whole high school ranking thing is only an expression of odds rather than certainty. It's a nice bet. In this case, Vaughters is stuck behind a) maybe the best OLB in the Pac-12 and b) another highly-ranked OLB who's a year older and more mature. It's not quite a "don't worry be happy" scenario, but these are the kinds of things that happen with prosperity: sometimes a career backup QB becomes an NFL starter (oh hello Matt Cassell).

[Redrum]

Running back:  Should we be worried that Gaffney wanders over from the baseball diamond and is listed as co-equal (the "or" designation) with Wilkerson?  I love Gaffney (except in the wildcat) but that seems to say something.  So behind those two we have Barry Sanders and the oft-injured Round Mound of Remound and Ricky Seale.

WR:  Devon Cajuste.  He actually started in the UCLA game last year someone said, but didn't hear his name called.  I think we'll be OK at WR.  Odd that Connor Crane has pulled a JRP.
 
Tight End:  Attention! Attention! All position-switchers report to the TE coach.  Kaumatele did not display great hands this Spring,  Dudchock did OK, but unless the chart is wrong, this is his last season.

Linebacker:  Not surprised that Lueders is the pick over Vaughters.  Lueders was hurt and that put him behind, but he's apparently caught on now.  Was highly rated out of high school.  I watched him some during the Spring Game,  did not stand out or smell up the place.  Maybe he just plays his responsibility better than the more physically gifted Vaughters.

FB:  Lee Ward impressed me in Spring Game.  Threw key blocks to spring some good gains. Maybe he has the mental part of the game down better than the younger Patrick Skov.

Strong Safety:  Richards is money and could go out early.  It's interesting that Olugbode, a  walk-on,  can miss so much playing time w/ injuries over past two seasons and miss the Spring Game, but when he's healthy he must knock the coaches' eyes out.  Hope he can stay in one piece.

[Redrum]

Running back:  Should we be worried that Gaffney wanders over from the baseball diamond and is listed as co-equal (the "or" designation) with Wilkerson?  I love Gaffney (except in the wildcat) but that seems to say something.  So behind those two we have Barry Sanders and the oft-injured Round Mound of Remound and Ricky Seale.

WR:  Devon Cajuste.  He actually started in the UCLA game last year someone said, but didn't hear his name called.  I think we'll be OK at WR.  Odd that Connor Crane has pulled a JRP.
 
Tight End:  Attention! Attention! All position-switchers report to the TE coach.  Kaumatele did not display great hands this Spring,  Dudchock did OK, but unless the chart is wrong, this is his last season.

Linebacker:  Not surprised that Lueders is the pick over Vaughters.  Lueders was hurt and that put him behind, but he's apparently caught on now.  Was highly rated out of high school.  I watched him some during the Spring Game,  did not stand out or smell up the place.  Maybe he just plays his responsibility better than the more physically gifted Vaughters.

FB:  Lee Ward impressed me in Spring Game.  Threw key blocks to spring some good gains. Maybe he has the mental part of the game down better than the younger Patrick Skov.

Strong Safety:  Richards is money and could go out early.  It's interesting that Olugbode, a  walk-on,  can miss so much playing time w/ injuries over past two seasons and miss the Spring Game, but when he's healthy he must knock the coaches' eyes out.  Hope he can stay in one piece.

[FarmBoy]

Gaffney did some of his best running out of the Wildcat. I'd bet he averaged close to 10 yards a carry. The formation didn't work very well for us last year, but we ripped off some huuuge plays when Gaffney was running it.

I'd be curious how our average ypc trended out of the wildcat formation during 2011. It seemed like Gaffney was very effective early in the season, but less so during the 2nd half and I believe he was stuffed pretty hard in the Fiesta Bowl. Did the opposition figure out how to defend it? Or was it just the match ups favored success early in the season?

[FarmBoy]

Gaffney did some of his best running out of the Wildcat. I'd bet he averaged close to 10 yards a carry. The formation didn't work very well for us last year, but we ripped off some huuuge plays when Gaffney was running it.

I'd be curious how our average ypc trended out of the wildcat formation during 2011. It seemed like Gaffney was very effective early in the season, but less so during the 2nd half and I believe he was stuffed pretty hard in the Fiesta Bowl. Did the opposition figure out how to defend it? Or was it just the match ups favored success early in the season?

[Redrum]

It depends on one of two things:  a) The defense is so confused or caught off guard that they make bad decisions.  b)  The "QB" taking the snap has to have some credibility passing.  True, he still has the option of handing off to another RB or taking off himself,  but either way if there's no credible passing threat,  then the defense plays run.  I share the view (above) that the play got less effective as time went on and defenses prepared knowing it was in our playlist.

But, maybe Gaffney has some mojo that will make it click again.

[Redrum]

It depends on one of two things:  a) The defense is so confused or caught off guard that they make bad decisions.  b)  The "QB" taking the snap has to have some credibility passing.  True, he still has the option of handing off to another RB or taking off himself,  but either way if there's no credible passing threat,  then the defense plays run.  I share the view (above) that the play got less effective as time went on and defenses prepared knowing it was in our playlist.

But, maybe Gaffney has some mojo that will make it click again.

[Bruce Wang]

Not a fan of the Wildcat either. It does give you extra run blocker so it isn't the worst play in an obvious running situation.

[Bruce Wang]

Not a fan of the Wildcat either. It does give you extra run blocker so it isn't the worst play in an obvious running situation.

[washingtonismoney]

It depends on one of two things:  a) The defense is so confused or caught off guard that they make bad decisions.  b)  The "QB" taking the snap has to have some credibility passing.  True, he still has the option of handing off to another RB or taking off himself,  but either way if there's no credible passing threat,  then the defense plays run.

That doesn't necessarily matter. Does the triple option of Army, Navy, and Ga. Tech offer much credibility passing? No. Wisconsin deployed a wildcat effectively last year, despite their running back going 1/2 for 3 yards all season.

It's not necessarily about passing with the wildcat. It's whether you have enough options off of the initial action, and whether you're effective with your blocking and angles. 2011 we were effective; 2012, not so much.

[washingtonismoney]

It depends on one of two things:  a) The defense is so confused or caught off guard that they make bad decisions.  b)  The "QB" taking the snap has to have some credibility passing.  True, he still has the option of handing off to another RB or taking off himself,  but either way if there's no credible passing threat,  then the defense plays run.

That doesn't necessarily matter. Does the triple option of Army, Navy, and Ga. Tech offer much credibility passing? No. Wisconsin deployed a wildcat effectively last year, despite their running back going 1/2 for 3 yards all season.

It's not necessarily about passing with the wildcat. It's whether you have enough options off of the initial action, and whether you're effective with your blocking and angles. 2011 we were effective; 2012, not so much.

[OutsiderFan]

It's curious how Wilkerson has kind of always been the 'big back' but that now he's under 220.  I still believe Sanders is the best RB on the roster, and as he learns to run with a FB he'll prove it.

Keep in mind Hoffpauir is playing baseball.  Olugbode will have his hands full to keep Hoffpauir from grabbing the #2 safety spot behind Richards.

Curious to see Carrington listed at CB.  What about Pippens?

I see no reason for Hewitt to remain exclusively at FB.  He could easily play TE and Ward / Skov are good enough.

Hard to imagine a better OL in the land.

Hard to imagine many more better 3-4 DLs in the land.

Now is there room for any True Frosh to get on the post-Summer camp depth chart?  Owusu? Kalambayi?  Any of the trio of TEs?

[OutsiderFan]

It's curious how Wilkerson has kind of always been the 'big back' but that now he's under 220.  I still believe Sanders is the best RB on the roster, and as he learns to run with a FB he'll prove it.

Keep in mind Hoffpauir is playing baseball.  Olugbode will have his hands full to keep Hoffpauir from grabbing the #2 safety spot behind Richards.

Curious to see Carrington listed at CB.  What about Pippens?

I see no reason for Hewitt to remain exclusively at FB.  He could easily play TE and Ward / Skov are good enough.

Hard to imagine a better OL in the land.

Hard to imagine many more better 3-4 DLs in the land.

Now is there room for any True Frosh to get on the post-Summer camp depth chart?  Owusu? Kalambayi?  Any of the trio of TEs?

[ChicagoCard]

Curious to see Carrington listed at CB.  What about Pippens?

Funny, I was about to submit a comment on Carrington at backup corner but yours posted first and I clicked away. Who do you think's faster, Carrington or Amanan?

[ChicagoCard]

Curious to see Carrington listed at CB.  What about Pippens?

Funny, I was about to submit a comment on Carrington at backup corner but yours posted first and I clicked away. Who do you think's faster, Carrington or Amanan?

[socalstanfan1]

I think it's probably worthwhile to look at the depth chart, at this time of year especially, with two sets of eyes.  One gives us a real idea of who is stepping up and getting noticed (Carrington at CB; Dudchock at TE); and the other might see this chart as a way for coaches to inspire competition.  Naming a bunch of co-starters (3 at the Center position; 2 at OLB) basically is like saying: ok guys, lets see who prepares the best over the next few months, keep working hard.  It wouldn't surprise me if the coaches have a clearer sense of who is really ahead in a lot of these battles at this time, but want to keep the heat turned up on to fight off complacency.

Regarding Vaughters, I think that moving him over to MLB was a mistake.  He showed real flashes of great play as a true freshman at the OLB position, then the coaches seemed to have it in their mind that he must be a MLB, slipped him over there, and he just wasn't as effective.  I think moving him back to OLB will do him, and the team, good.  Tarpley and Lancaster developing, and early raves about Martinez (though injured this spring, I know) make it feasible.  I'm wondering now how Peter Kalambayi will fit into the LB group when he arrives in August?  I've seen him listed at both MLB and OLB in the recruiting services.  Noor Davis, on the other hand, really has some work to do to climb this depth chart.

[socalstanfan1]

I think it's probably worthwhile to look at the depth chart, at this time of year especially, with two sets of eyes.  One gives us a real idea of who is stepping up and getting noticed (Carrington at CB; Dudchock at TE); and the other might see this chart as a way for coaches to inspire competition.  Naming a bunch of co-starters (3 at the Center position; 2 at OLB) basically is like saying: ok guys, lets see who prepares the best over the next few months, keep working hard.  It wouldn't surprise me if the coaches have a clearer sense of who is really ahead in a lot of these battles at this time, but want to keep the heat turned up on to fight off complacency.

Regarding Vaughters, I think that moving him over to MLB was a mistake.  He showed real flashes of great play as a true freshman at the OLB position, then the coaches seemed to have it in their mind that he must be a MLB, slipped him over there, and he just wasn't as effective.  I think moving him back to OLB will do him, and the team, good.  Tarpley and Lancaster developing, and early raves about Martinez (though injured this spring, I know) make it feasible.  I'm wondering now how Peter Kalambayi will fit into the LB group when he arrives in August?  I've seen him listed at both MLB and OLB in the recruiting services.  Noor Davis, on the other hand, really has some work to do to climb this depth chart.

[BobK]

While Big Luke did not look good in the spring game redrum I'm not sure you saw the open practices.  He looked great catching the ball on the run.  While we can say inconsistent hard to say he didn't show great hands.  He did.  :)

[BobK]

While Big Luke did not look good in the spring game redrum I'm not sure you saw the open practices.  He looked great catching the ball on the run.  While we can say inconsistent hard to say he didn't show great hands.  He did.  :)

[washingtonismoney]

It's curious how Wilkerson has kind of always been the 'big back' but that now he's under 220.  I still believe Sanders is the best RB on the roster, and as he learns to run with a FB he'll prove it.

About that -- here's a funny quote:

Offensive coordinator Mike Bloomgren laughed as he told this story: “Tavita Pritchard is our new running backs coach. We watched Barry make six cuts and make 10 people miss, and somebody said, ‘Tavita, you’re doing a helluva job.’”

http://espn.go.com/blog/ncfnation/post/_...bcs-finale

[washingtonismoney]

It's curious how Wilkerson has kind of always been the 'big back' but that now he's under 220.  I still believe Sanders is the best RB on the roster, and as he learns to run with a FB he'll prove it.

About that -- here's a funny quote:

Offensive coordinator Mike Bloomgren laughed as he told this story: “Tavita Pritchard is our new running backs coach. We watched Barry make six cuts and make 10 people miss, and somebody said, ‘Tavita, you’re doing a helluva job.’”

http://espn.go.com/blog/ncfnation/post/_...bcs-finale

[Renaissance Man]

Did we list Kelsey Young as a WR last season? Also, are we surprised that Ben Rhyne isn't the No. 1 punter?

The only real concern that I developed at the spring game came from watching the punters in warm-ups and at halftime.  The first punt during the game was spectacular (I don't remember which punter went first), but both guys were hitting one good punt for every 10 attempts while warming up--the rest ranged from horrible to below mediocre.  Of the two, Ukropina looked slightly better, but I hope one of them steps up by September, because poor punting is one of the things that can handicap a great defense.  OTOH, I hope we average zero punts per game and both guys display their skills only during pre-game.

[Renaissance Man]

Did we list Kelsey Young as a WR last season? Also, are we surprised that Ben Rhyne isn't the No. 1 punter?

The only real concern that I developed at the spring game came from watching the punters in warm-ups and at halftime.  The first punt during the game was spectacular (I don't remember which punter went first), but both guys were hitting one good punt for every 10 attempts while warming up--the rest ranged from horrible to below mediocre.  Of the two, Ukropina looked slightly better, but I hope one of them steps up by September, because poor punting is one of the things that can handicap a great defense.  OTOH, I hope we average zero punts per game and both guys display their skills only during pre-game.

[Bruce Wang]

Rhyne did a great job subbing for Zychlinski when he was injured towards the end of the season.  Count me as not worried.  TE is the biggest source of concern.

[Bruce Wang]

Rhyne did a great job subbing for Zychlinski when he was injured towards the end of the season.  Count me as not worried.  TE is the biggest source of concern.

[socalstanfan1]

It's curious how Wilkerson has kind of always been the 'big back' but that now he's under 220.  I still believe Sanders is the best RB on the roster, and as he learns to run with a FB he'll prove it.

I'm not sure that the only issue is learning to run behind the FB.  Shaw has noted many times that the need to be nearly flawless in pass protection is something he is looking for in a RB.  I'm sure if Sanders is nearly untouchable every time he carries the ball, Shaw may reconsider that position somewhat.  But I assume his ability to pick up blitzes will go a long way toward determining where he ends up on the depth chart

[socalstanfan1]

It's curious how Wilkerson has kind of always been the 'big back' but that now he's under 220.  I still believe Sanders is the best RB on the roster, and as he learns to run with a FB he'll prove it.

I'm not sure that the only issue is learning to run behind the FB.  Shaw has noted many times that the need to be nearly flawless in pass protection is something he is looking for in a RB.  I'm sure if Sanders is nearly untouchable every time he carries the ball, Shaw may reconsider that position somewhat.  But I assume his ability to pick up blitzes will go a long way toward determining where he ends up on the depth chart

[yvonne]

The thing is, Sanders isn't "nearly untouchable every time he touches the ball." I'm sure that as he learns the blocking schemes more, he will also be able to let his natural ability shine through. He's playing big boy football now, and has practiced against one of the best defenses in the country. That will only mean good things when he finally gets it.

[yvonne]

The thing is, Sanders isn't "nearly untouchable every time he touches the ball." I'm sure that as he learns the blocking schemes more, he will also be able to let his natural ability shine through. He's playing big boy football now, and has practiced against one of the best defenses in the country. That will only mean good things when he finally gets it.