[OutsiderFan]

I was going to make the joke that JAF made...but really, where are we getting the DL depth that allows us to run a 4-3??  Or is the linebacking situation that bad?

Far be it from me to claim the Defensive Line situation is ideal, but it MIGHT not be as bad as it seems.  The thing that came clear to me about the 3-4 to 4-3 change portion of Mandel's article is the fact Stanford has several pretty good DE types.

Herron Jr., Aybar, Armitage, and Bailey are pretty top end talents at the position. You need big guys to play a 3-4 effectively, and then speedy LBs. Stanford had a couple big guys for the 3-4 but lacked the speedy LBs apparently? For the 4-3, the emphasis is more on speed at DE than size.

It's possible that due to the lack of DT size and depth, Stanford could roll with some smaller, quicker DL and be a much more aggressive unit that relies on penetration (a force philosophy rather than a read one). They could be able to fill their gaps quicker and be better at stopping the run, pressuring QBs, and causing turnovers.

Tobin Phillips is the only DT with any size, so he will be critical to stay healthy. No player on the team outside of McKee is more important to play the whole season. And it would seem they are going to need a contribution from True Frosh Jaxson Moi. I don't get why Stanford has him listed as a DE when he is needed at DT. Zach Rowell could potentially move inside too?

[OutsiderFan]

I was going to make the joke that JAF made...but really, where are we getting the DL depth that allows us to run a 4-3??  Or is the linebacking situation that bad?

Far be it from me to claim the Defensive Line situation is ideal, but it MIGHT not be as bad as it seems.  The thing that came clear to me about the 3-4 to 4-3 change portion of Mandel's article is the fact Stanford has several pretty good DE types.

Herron Jr., Aybar, Armitage, and Bailey are pretty top end talents at the position. You need big guys to play a 3-4 effectively, and then speedy LBs. Stanford had a couple big guys for the 3-4 but lacked the speedy LBs apparently? For the 4-3, the emphasis is more on speed at DE than size.

It's possible that due to the lack of DT size and depth, Stanford could roll with some smaller, quicker DL and be a much more aggressive unit that relies on penetration (a force philosophy rather than a read one). They could be able to fill their gaps quicker and be better at stopping the run, pressuring QBs, and causing turnovers.

Tobin Phillips is the only DT with any size, so he will be critical to stay healthy. No player on the team outside of McKee is more important to play the whole season. And it would seem they are going to need a contribution from True Frosh Jaxson Moi. I don't get why Stanford has him listed as a DE when he is needed at DT. Zach Rowell could potentially move inside too?