[socalstanfan1]

[quote author=socalstanfan1 link=topic=11701.msg187300#msg187300 date=1485278016]
[quote author=AthleticsDynasty link=topic=11701.msg187288#msg187288 date=1485271677]

Also shouldn't you be far more concerned about Safeties? Seeing as how for 2019 we only have 2 maybe 3 right now? And unlike LB we don't have guys lined up for the 18 and 19 classes?

The difference here is that it is relatively common for defensive backs to come in slotted into one position, either S or CB, and move to the other.  So Paulson Adebo may come in as a CB, but given size and strength, and possible team need, he could easily end up as a S with excellent cover skills.  I suppose we could say the same about DE and OLB in the Stanford system.  CBs Treyjohn Butler and Frank Buncom were, at various points in the recruiting process, considered Safeties.  I assume that though it might not be ideal, they could move back in a pinch.

I think it makes more sense to break down the defense into three categories: DB, DE/OLB, and DT.  Defensive Tackles are the one group of players that might struggle moving to another position (though, even here, it isn't unusual to see an athletic DT evolve into big DE in the 3-4 defense.  But true Nose Tackles have a more difficult time playing other positions).  Given the number of DB we have admitted in the past few classes, I think we are in good shape there with athletes who can fill different roles.  But I do think we need to make sure to add depth to the DE/OLB spot.
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I think Butler is currently playing safety. Devon Carrington actually played both CB and S for us in the same season.

I disagree with you about DE/OLB vs. NT. We've only had one successful move in recent years between DE and OLB: Blake Lueders. Kaumatule was shuffled back and forth after moving over from TE, but nothing really came of that. On the other hand, we've had a couple of players move between DE and NT, namely Shittu and Phillips. Of course, in both cases this has been due to the lack of other options at NT.

We've also had Vaughters successfully move from ILB to OLB. Noor Davis moved from OLB to ILB, and I would love to see Alfieri also move from OLB to ILB, though that is probably wishful thinking.

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Following up on BC, I'm thinking of true, fire-hydrant type NT (DWP) types who can clog the center of the line.  Those linemen have, IMO, less positional flexibility than others.  I also think we can also add Trent Murphy as a player who transitioned from HS DE to OLB, and Kevin Anderson and Mike Tyler were also listed by Rivals as as DEs.  Sean Barton has made the more rare transition from DB to LB (if we follow the listings on Rivals, though perhaps the coaches always envisioned him at LB; Jarek Lancaster made a similar transition)  Point well taken about the movement between OLB & ILB. 

Maybe the bigger point is we need to draft the best athletes we can with great positional flexibility, particularly when Stanford's pool of talent is more limited than that of the Football Factories.  So looking at the size and athleticism of a player may be as important as looking at whether the recruiting services have him listed at a particular position.

[socalstanfan1]

[quote author=socalstanfan1 link=topic=11701.msg187300#msg187300 date=1485278016]
[quote author=AthleticsDynasty link=topic=11701.msg187288#msg187288 date=1485271677]

Also shouldn't you be far more concerned about Safeties? Seeing as how for 2019 we only have 2 maybe 3 right now? And unlike LB we don't have guys lined up for the 18 and 19 classes?

The difference here is that it is relatively common for defensive backs to come in slotted into one position, either S or CB, and move to the other.  So Paulson Adebo may come in as a CB, but given size and strength, and possible team need, he could easily end up as a S with excellent cover skills.  I suppose we could say the same about DE and OLB in the Stanford system.  CBs Treyjohn Butler and Frank Buncom were, at various points in the recruiting process, considered Safeties.  I assume that though it might not be ideal, they could move back in a pinch.

I think it makes more sense to break down the defense into three categories: DB, DE/OLB, and DT.  Defensive Tackles are the one group of players that might struggle moving to another position (though, even here, it isn't unusual to see an athletic DT evolve into big DE in the 3-4 defense.  But true Nose Tackles have a more difficult time playing other positions).  Given the number of DB we have admitted in the past few classes, I think we are in good shape there with athletes who can fill different roles.  But I do think we need to make sure to add depth to the DE/OLB spot.
[/quote]
I think Butler is currently playing safety. Devon Carrington actually played both CB and S for us in the same season.

I disagree with you about DE/OLB vs. NT. We've only had one successful move in recent years between DE and OLB: Blake Lueders. Kaumatule was shuffled back and forth after moving over from TE, but nothing really came of that. On the other hand, we've had a couple of players move between DE and NT, namely Shittu and Phillips. Of course, in both cases this has been due to the lack of other options at NT.

We've also had Vaughters successfully move from ILB to OLB. Noor Davis moved from OLB to ILB, and I would love to see Alfieri also move from OLB to ILB, though that is probably wishful thinking.

[/quote]

Following up on BC, I'm thinking of true, fire-hydrant type NT (DWP) types who can clog the center of the line.  Those linemen have, IMO, less positional flexibility than others.  I also think we can also add Trent Murphy as a player who transitioned from HS DE to OLB, and Kevin Anderson and Mike Tyler were also listed by Rivals as as DEs.  Sean Barton has made the more rare transition from DB to LB (if we follow the listings on Rivals, though perhaps the coaches always envisioned him at LB; Jarek Lancaster made a similar transition)  Point well taken about the movement between OLB & ILB. 

Maybe the bigger point is we need to draft the best athletes we can with great positional flexibility, particularly when Stanford's pool of talent is more limited than that of the Football Factories.  So looking at the size and athleticism of a player may be as important as looking at whether the recruiting services have him listed at a particular position.