Stanford football 2017: Projected Cardinal depth chart
By Brad Weiss
The Stanford Cardinal are coming off another double-digit win season, but they are going to have to replace two first-round picks in 2017.
For the sixth time in the last seven seasons, the Stanford Cardinal put together a double-digit win season. Led by running back Christian McCaffrey, the Cardinal shook off a rough start to the season, winning some big games down the stretch. The team will have to replace McCaffrey this season, but backup Bryce Love performed well in his absence, and could be a special player in 2017.
The Cardinal finished the 2016 season with a 10-3 record, including a 6-3 mark in the Pac-12. In the final AP Poll, the Cardinal finished No. 12 in the country, which was impressive considering the start they got off to last season. Head coach David Shaw has some talented pieces in place for the 2017 season, and it will all start with quarterback, Keller Chryst.
Chryst reeled off five straight victories after taking over for Ryan Burns, but is coming off a torn ACL in the Sun Bowl against the University of North Carolina Tar Heels. It will be his position to lose this summer, and if he can hold onto the job, he should be able to put up similar numbers to what he did last season. The senior tossed ten touchdowns against only two interceptions, and gained some great experience along the way.
Stanford will kick off their 2017 season against the Rice Owls, and they will do so a long way from home. The Cardinal will take on the Owls inside Allianz Stadium in Sydney, Australia, kicking off their season on August 26. They will be off the following week, before opening up their Pac-12 schedule on the road against USC.
This Cardinal team will have a ton of question marks, but if they can somehow beat the Trojans in their second game of the season, it will be a huge confidence boost the rest of the way. Look for them to come close to another ten win season in 2017, but a Pac-12 North Division title may be out of reach.
Offense
Notable Losses: The biggest name not on the roster when it comes to the offensive side of the ball is Christian McCaffrey, who was a transcendent player during his time with the Cardinal. The team will somehow have to replace his incredible talent for finding the end zone, as he was a Heisman Trophy-type player in each of the last two seasons. Backup quarterback Ryan Burns is also gone, as is right guard Johnny Caspers, who was an anchor on their offensive line in 2016.
QB: Keller Chryst, senior
Keller Chryst will be the starter on opening day, even though he likely will not be ready until August. He is still recovering from a torn ACL suffered in last season’s Sun Bowl, and could be looking over his shoulder. Top recruit K.J. Costello redshirted last season, but could be the next great quarterback to come through Stanford once he gets his shot.
RB: Bryce Love, junior
FB: Daniel Marx, senior
Bryce Love did a great job in Christian McCaffrey’s absence last season, as the star running back missed time due to injury. He rushed for 783 yards on only 111 carries, finding the end zone three times. Backup Cameron Scarlett also got some run last season, finishing with 117 yards on 38 carries, and Daniel Marx returns as the team’s fullback. Replacing McCaffrey’s production is going to be tough, but Love is one of the best backs in the Pac-12.
WR: Trent Irwin, junior
WR: Donald Stewart, sophomore
WR: J.J. Arcega-Whiteside, junior
The loss of Michael Rector in the passing game is going to loom large, but the team does have its top red zone option back in J.J. Arcega-Whiteside. Trent Irwin tied with McCaffrey for the team lead in receptions last season, and has some incredible hands. Donald Stewart saw time as a true freshman last season, and most believe he has the game-breaking ability to be a difference maker on this offense in 2017.
TE: Dalton Schultz, senior
The tight end position is definitely going to be a strength for the Cardinal this season, as they return senior Dalton Schultz. A John Mackey Award watch list nominee, Schultz was an honorable mention All Pac-12 selection last season, finishing fifth on the team in receptions. He figures to play a bigger role in the passing game this season, and could be the best tight end in the Pac-12.
LT: David Bright, senior (RS)
LG: Nate Herbig, sophomore
C: Jesse Burkett, senior
RG: Nick Wilson, junior
RT: A.T. Hall, senior
The Cardinal offensive line paved the way last season, as the team racked up over 2,500 yards on the ground. While right guard Johnny Caspers is gone, the team does return Jesse Burkett, who is one of the better centers in the conference. Burkett is a Rimington Award watch list nominee, and anchors the offensive line. Nate Herbig saw a ton of playing time as a freshman last season, and the combination of David Bright and A.T. Hall at the tackle positions should be much improved over 2016.
AP: Jay Tyler, junior
Jay Tyler should play a big role for the Cardinal this season, both on the offensive side of the ball, and on special teams. Tyler played in eight games as a sophomore last season, and while he did not factor too much into the outcome of games, he could be a nice replacement for Michael Rector this season. He has the speed to really change a game, and it is going to be interesting to see what he can do in an expanded role.