Walk-On Union Watch. Five non-scholarship players got PT against the Wildcats.
- P Alex Gracey. Sophomore. He served as the holder for field goals and extra points. This was Gracey's first appearance in a game in his Stanford career. Looks like he could have handled the missed FG a bit better. It is not uncommon for punters to be holders because they are used to handling long snaps. But I am surprised it is Gracey and not Sanborn or one of the backup QBs (which allows for a fake). Perhaps this was a consolation prize for Gracey when Sanborn won the punter job.
- OLB Thunder Justice Keck. Junior. Played on STs. He played in 11 games last year, so he is clearly a valuable player.
- TE Kyle McCombs. Junior. He played in one game last year. The used him as a blocking TE in those 3-TE sets.
- OLB Caleb Phillips. Junior. He played on goal line defense, which is a mark of confidence by the coaches. Caleb played in three games last year.
- P Ryan Sanborn. Freshman. In Stanford football history, has a true freshman walk-on ever started, let alone in his first collegiate game? Probably. But I wonder how long it has been... I am guessing Sanborn will get a scholie sooner than later.
- ILB Ryan Beecher, a fifth-year former walk-on, played on STs, but did not record any tackles.
- S J.J. Parson, a senior former walk-on, was the starting nickel back. He had two tackles (and a costly PI). I guess we have our answer concerning who our nickel is, at least for now.
- WR Brycen Tremayne, a sophomore former walk-on, played quite a bit at WR. Incredible to go from walk-on to getting significant playing time at a stacked position. This was his first Stanford game appearance.
- S Noah Williams, a junior former walk-on, played on STs. His name was not listed on the participation report, however (h/t to SMF for noting his play).