Stanford is heading into 2014 as the two-time defending Pac-12 champions. Though the Rose Bowl had a heartbreaking ending for the Cardinal, they still had an excellent 11-3 season in 2013.
Defensive coordinator Derek Mason has now moved on to be the head coach at Vanderbilt, and former standouts, like Trent Murphy and Shayne Skov, have graduated and moved on, but many of the same key faces return. Kevin Hogen returns for another season under the helm, and many of his weapons are back too. The defense lost a few key pieces, but they still return seven starters.
As usual, the Pac-12 has a lot of tough teams, but Stanford still stacks up as one of the best and will compete for a third straight conference title.
Top Newcomers
Keller Chryst, Quarterback-- Chryst is a pocket passer with good size, a strong arm and nice touch. He’s the prototypical quarterback that coach David Shaw likes in his system, and will be the future quarterback when Hogen eventually moves on to the NFL.
Solomon Thomas, Linebacker-- Thomas is an edge defender that has great strength. He is stout in the running game, and as he develops physically and technically, he will be able to do more as a pass rusher, since he is quick off the snap and still has room to add more weight to his frame. He could see some early snaps, as the Stanford pass rushers were depleted due to graduation.
Top Returning Players
Andrus Peat, Offensive Tackle-- Peat is an absolute mauler; a perfect fit in Stanford’s system. He opens big holes in the running game and does a great job protecting Hogen’s blind side. He’s already projecting as a future top-10 pick when he leaves for the NFL, and will only continue to develop his technique as a pass blocker.
Ty Montgomery, Wide Receiver-- Montgomery is a massive target at 6’2”, 215, but he’s much more than a possession receiver. He has the speed and athletic ability to stretch the defense and make big plays downfield.
Positional Breakdown
Quarterback: Kevin Hogen and his funky throwing motion will return as the starter for the Pac-12 champions. Hogen threw for 2,635 yards last year, with 20 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.
Running Back: Tyler Gaffney graduated and is now with the New England Patriots, so the door opens for Barry Sanders, Jr. to take over as lead back. Sanders is a bit smaller than Stanford’s typical running backs, but he has flashed good vision, and like his father, can break big runs when he gets space.
Wide Receiver: Stanford’s top five receivers from last season all return. Ty Montgomery returns as the top receiver for the Cardinal, and is viewed as a potential first round pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. Devon Cajuste will resume his role as the team’s second option, and is a sure-handed possession receiver.
Tight End: Stanford has had a lot of success in recent years developing tight ends, with Coby Fleener, Zach Ertz, and Levine Toilolo. Austin Hopper is the next one to join the ranks. Hopper is a former four star recruit to be the safety net for Hogen.
Offensive Line: They may have lost four starters, including David Yankey and Cameron Fleming to the NFL, but Andrus Peat returns to protect Hogen’s blind side, and all of the new starters had a strong spring camp.
Defensive Line: Henry Anderson and David Parry return to help lead Stanford’s massive defensive front in the 3-4 scheme. They do a good job eating space, and opening holes for the linebacker to make plays.
Linebacker: A.J. Tarpley and James Vaughters return for the Cardinal, and lead a unit that lost key players, Shayne Skov and Trent Murphy to the NFL. Blake Martinez and Kevin Anderson will fill the open holes on the field, and had significant playing time, so they shouldn’t take any steps backwards in the front seven from last year.
Cornerback: Stanford may have the best corner duo in college football, with Alex Carter and Wayne Lyons. Both play physically in the passing and running game, and have shut-down potential.
Safety: Jordan Richards returns at strong safety, but the Cardinal will need to replace Ed Reynolds, who played a lot of deep safety for the team last season, and Kyle Olugbode is currently projected to fill Reynold’s shoes.
Special Teams: Both Jordan Williamson and Ben Rhyne return to resume their roles as kicker and punter, respectively.
Biggest Strength
In recent years, the offensive line and front seven have been Stanford’s biggest strengths. However, this year, their secondary will be their top unit. Both Alex Carter and Wayne Lyons are being viewed as potential first round picks, and Jordan Richards led the team in interceptions in 2013.
Stanford did not have a great pass defense last season, finishing 98th in the country in pass defense, but with how talented they are, it’s hard to see them having issues again.
Biggest Weakness
Stanford’s biggest weakness heading into the season is their offensive line. While Peat is incredibly talented, and the rest have impressed through spring camp, the unit still has four new starters. It will take time to build the continuity we’re used to seeing along Stanford’s line, which is a necessity with their offensive game plan relying on the run.