Camp Opens: Feb. 27
Spring Game: April 14
After enjoying back-to-back trips to BCS bowl games, Stanford will have to replace quarterback Andrew Luck, the best quarterback in school history (yes, I know John Elway and Jim Plunkett once played in Palo Alto).
The Cardinal also lost two potential first-round picks on the offensive line in David DeCastro and Jonathan Martin. So Stanford has some of the biggest holes to fill in the Pac-12 and maybe in the nation.
This is the second of many future Spring Practice Primers to come. It all started with the Texas Longhorns.
Stability Factor (1 = chaos; 5 = rock solid): 3
Stanford may have some glaring weaknesses right now, the Cardinal will not lose their identity as a ground-and-pound program. The offensive line is still loaded with experienced players, including Sam Schwartzstein back at center. His knowledge of the offense might make the loss of Luck a bit more bearable. The line also has Cameron Fleming, David Yankey and Kevin Danser.
Luck’s ability to read defenses and his ability to run as well, made the Stanford run game that much more effective. But don’t overlook the abilities of Stepfan Taylor and Tyler Gaffney.
If the defense improves, the Cardinal could be better than expectations but probably nowhere near the success Stanford enjoyed the past two seasons.
Under the Microscope: Brett Nottingham
Brett Nottingham will be challenged, but he will likely start at quarterback in Stanford’s opener against San Jose State. Since he’s replacing the irreplaceable Andrew Luck, Nottingham should get a long leash but he won’t.
He’ll be challenged by Josh Nunes, Robbie Picazo, Kevin Hogan and Evan Crower. But Nottingham has the most experience and should get the nod from David Shaw.
Locked and Loaded: Offensive Line
Despite the huge losses on the offensive line, Stanford is still loaded. David Shaw also brought in some of the best offensive line prospects in this year’s recruiting class.
This unit will make life easier on the new quarterback, and should open some big holes against most Pac-12 defenses.
Jockeying for Position: Safety
The loss of Luck after three seasons is impossible to overcome. But Shaw might argue that replacing safeties Delano Howell and Michael Thomas might be as big. The two most experienced safeties are Jordan Richards and Devon Carrington, but they are still green.
Name to Know: Barry Sanders Jr.
With a name like that it’s hard to ignore it.
I don’t know how much the famous son will play in 2012, but there is no way not to be intrigued by his potential.
Spring will be a success if…: A quarterback rises to the top
There has been a lot of talk about Andrew Luck, but he was that important to Stanford’s success. Going into the fall without a clear-cut No. 1 quarterback is not a horrible dilemma, but Shaw would probably prefer it..
