[Hank 91]

I'm thinking that McFadden's case is a little different because he's a walk-on. 

That definitely makes sense. I know that coaches everywhere often designate certain players as "preferred walk-ons," meaning that they aren't offered scholarships but the coaches hope they'll come anyway to see if they'll make the squad. If McFadden was talking to Harbaugh, he would certainly have fallen into that category. It would be interesting to know if the admissions office makes any distinction between preferred walk-ons and regular joes. I'm betting they do, at least a little bit.

As for Kelsey Young and the wide receiver depth chart, I'm guessing there will be very few times when there are four wide receivers on the field. Considering the quality of the tight ends, I can't imagine there will ever be a time when both Ertz and Toilolo are off the field. It wouldn't make sense to empty the backfield, leaving a young quarterback without any blitz protection, so I'd think there will always be someone back there with him -- a full back or the best-blocking tailback. If we assume one tight end, that leaves a maximum of three receivers -- Montgomery, Terrell, JRP.

I think Young is on the depth chart because he'll be in the game in some capacity at some point. I bet we see him in the slot a lot, where he can be used for screens and reverses.

[Hank 91]

I'm thinking that McFadden's case is a little different because he's a walk-on. 

That definitely makes sense. I know that coaches everywhere often designate certain players as "preferred walk-ons," meaning that they aren't offered scholarships but the coaches hope they'll come anyway to see if they'll make the squad. If McFadden was talking to Harbaugh, he would certainly have fallen into that category. It would be interesting to know if the admissions office makes any distinction between preferred walk-ons and regular joes. I'm betting they do, at least a little bit.

As for Kelsey Young and the wide receiver depth chart, I'm guessing there will be very few times when there are four wide receivers on the field. Considering the quality of the tight ends, I can't imagine there will ever be a time when both Ertz and Toilolo are off the field. It wouldn't make sense to empty the backfield, leaving a young quarterback without any blitz protection, so I'd think there will always be someone back there with him -- a full back or the best-blocking tailback. If we assume one tight end, that leaves a maximum of three receivers -- Montgomery, Terrell, JRP.

I think Young is on the depth chart because he'll be in the game in some capacity at some point. I bet we see him in the slot a lot, where he can be used for screens and reverses.