[GK3]

I only half-listened to the Pac media day interviews, but noticed Taylor insisting that four guys are vying for the starting QB job. Probably just coach speak.

It also seemed that Taylor downplayed the likelihood of Stanford going after transfers in numbers comparable to peer schools in the conference. I think he said the program will be built mainly with HS recruits. Of course, this isn't a of immense proportions surprise. But he seemed more definitive about it than what I recall him saying in the past.

He's said something similar before, which leads me to believe that his personnel pipeline strategy is to recruit good (if not great) freshmen and build them up physically and schematically over the years, leading to mainly juniors, seniors, and fifth-years as contributors.

This is similar to what we did when we were at our height of competitiveness 10 years ago. I don't think it will be exactly the same - it seems that we are willing to take *some* transfers now - but there is a similar understanding to the glory years of Shaw that, if you cannot recruit ready-to-play blue chippers, then you can recruit smart players that you can develop.

This is, of course, contra what the big-time programs are doing, which carves out a niche for Stanford. I like that there is a strategy in mind that marks Stanford as distinct, and leverages the advantage of getting a Stanford degree for those who hang around.

-m.

As of June 19, Taylor knew he had the Mater Dei QB Elijah Brown (#1 in Calif for Fall 2024)... 
Brown brings a quick release, mobility and a 29-1 record as a starter on the #3 team in USA last season.  Winner.  
Might he start in 2025 after a red shirt year, as Andrew Luck did?   Playing at Mater Dei caliber is like a JUCO transer. 
So, there is your "recruit great frosh" strategy.  And Brown might bring a few "highly touteds" with him.  

Mater Dei in Santa Ana, CA comes into Fall 2023 with the #1 ranking in USA, and Brown is a big factor in that ranking.  
https://www.maxpreps.com/news/39PkhyRfxk...top-25.htm
On Oct. 13, perennial powers Mater Dei and St. John Bosco clash in SoCal with a dozen college scholarship players on each team.  Elite.

One thing that stood out to me in interview with Taylor is that he places a priority on the accuracy of the QB.  My guess is that whoever starts will be the QB who is the most accurate.  I see his system very dependent on getting the ball into the hands of someone who can catch it and run with it, be it running back, TE, or some other receiver.  That would also seem to mean that the receivers who play are those who catch the ball most consistently.  Taylor has turned players no one has ever heard of into record breakers. I see the big focus this fall being finding a QB who throws the most catchable ball with accuracy. It would be nice if that QB could also run, and at least a couple of ours can do that.

[GK3]

I only half-listened to the Pac media day interviews, but noticed Taylor insisting that four guys are vying for the starting QB job. Probably just coach speak.

It also seemed that Taylor downplayed the likelihood of Stanford going after transfers in numbers comparable to peer schools in the conference. I think he said the program will be built mainly with HS recruits. Of course, this isn't a of immense proportions surprise. But he seemed more definitive about it than what I recall him saying in the past.

He's said something similar before, which leads me to believe that his personnel pipeline strategy is to recruit good (if not great) freshmen and build them up physically and schematically over the years, leading to mainly juniors, seniors, and fifth-years as contributors.

This is similar to what we did when we were at our height of competitiveness 10 years ago. I don't think it will be exactly the same - it seems that we are willing to take *some* transfers now - but there is a similar understanding to the glory years of Shaw that, if you cannot recruit ready-to-play blue chippers, then you can recruit smart players that you can develop.

This is, of course, contra what the big-time programs are doing, which carves out a niche for Stanford. I like that there is a strategy in mind that marks Stanford as distinct, and leverages the advantage of getting a Stanford degree for those who hang around.

-m.

As of June 19, Taylor knew he had the Mater Dei QB Elijah Brown (#1 in Calif for Fall 2024)... 
Brown brings a quick release, mobility and a 29-1 record as a starter on the #3 team in USA last season.  Winner.  
Might he start in 2025 after a red shirt year, as Andrew Luck did?   Playing at Mater Dei caliber is like a JUCO transer. 
So, there is your "recruit great frosh" strategy.  And Brown might bring a few "highly touteds" with him.  

Mater Dei in Santa Ana, CA comes into Fall 2023 with the #1 ranking in USA, and Brown is a big factor in that ranking.  
https://www.maxpreps.com/news/39PkhyRfxk...top-25.htm
On Oct. 13, perennial powers Mater Dei and St. John Bosco clash in SoCal with a dozen college scholarship players on each team.  Elite.

One thing that stood out to me in interview with Taylor is that he places a priority on the accuracy of the QB.  My guess is that whoever starts will be the QB who is the most accurate.  I see his system very dependent on getting the ball into the hands of someone who can catch it and run with it, be it running back, TE, or some other receiver.  That would also seem to mean that the receivers who play are those who catch the ball most consistently.  Taylor has turned players no one has ever heard of into record breakers. I see the big focus this fall being finding a QB who throws the most catchable ball with accuracy. It would be nice if that QB could also run, and at least a couple of ours can do that.