[TrumpCard]

Stanford seemed painfully thin at DB at times this year, but it looks like Stanford's DB recruiting finally will produce solid depth next year.  The team will have Holder, Meeks, and Lloyd as proven starters; Murphy and Alexander as third year players who have shown they can be contributors; Reid, Edwards, and Buncom as very promising second year players; Franklin and Simmons as third year players who have been limited mostly to ST; and even some true freshmen who could get a look.  How do you think the depth chart will look?  Here's my guess:

CB Holder/Murphy
CB Meeks/Buncom
NB Reid/Alexander
SS Edwards/Franklin
FS Lloyd/Simmons

My surprise pick here is Reid at nickel, which I predict for two reasons.  First, I think the staff believes Lloyd is among the 5 best DBs, and will want to find a way to keep him on the field, especially with so many youngsters in the group.  Second, I think Reid is too talented to keep off the field and will be able to pick up enough of the defense to be very effective next year, even in a position that is not his primary one.  Akina seems willing to move guys between the various DB positions, and he even played Reid at NB some this year, so I don't think pigeon-holing Reid as safety will be an issue. 

I'm curious to hear others' thoughts on this. 

[TrumpCard]

Stanford seemed painfully thin at DB at times this year, but it looks like Stanford's DB recruiting finally will produce solid depth next year.  The team will have Holder, Meeks, and Lloyd as proven starters; Murphy and Alexander as third year players who have shown they can be contributors; Reid, Edwards, and Buncom as very promising second year players; Franklin and Simmons as third year players who have been limited mostly to ST; and even some true freshmen who could get a look.  How do you think the depth chart will look?  Here's my guess:

CB Holder/Murphy
CB Meeks/Buncom
NB Reid/Alexander
SS Edwards/Franklin
FS Lloyd/Simmons

My surprise pick here is Reid at nickel, which I predict for two reasons.  First, I think the staff believes Lloyd is among the 5 best DBs, and will want to find a way to keep him on the field, especially with so many youngsters in the group.  Second, I think Reid is too talented to keep off the field and will be able to pick up enough of the defense to be very effective next year, even in a position that is not his primary one.  Akina seems willing to move guys between the various DB positions, and he even played Reid at NB some this year, so I don't think pigeon-holing Reid as safety will be an issue. 

I'm curious to hear others' thoughts on this. 

[AncientCityIndian]

I think we are stronger at DB next year than any in the past 45 years and we have some good recruits committed to boot........................

[AncientCityIndian]

I think we are stronger at DB next year than any in the past 45 years and we have some good recruits committed to boot........................

[TrumpCard]

I'd go with Lynch, Gordon, Bryant and Albert in 1992.  Three NFL players, two of them multi-year all-pro.  They were a great college defensive backfield, too, and they helped take Stanford to a top 10 ranking when that wasn't the norm.

[TrumpCard]

I'd go with Lynch, Gordon, Bryant and Albert in 1992.  Three NFL players, two of them multi-year all-pro.  They were a great college defensive backfield, too, and they helped take Stanford to a top 10 ranking when that wasn't the norm.

[OutsiderFan]

Why would you move Meeks out of the nickel position he did so well in as a Frosh?  Why would Justin Reid not be the FS when he was Whitfield's backup as a True Frosh? 

[OutsiderFan]

Why would you move Meeks out of the nickel position he did so well in as a Frosh?  Why would Justin Reid not be the FS when he was Whitfield's backup as a True Frosh? 

[washingtonismoney]

Why would you move Meeks out of the nickel position he did so well in as a Frosh?  Why would Justin Reid not be the FS when he was Whitfield's backup as a True Frosh?

Yeah, I'd be very surprised if Reid moves from safety.

But I could see Meeks moving if Akina thinks he needs to play every down. Meeks was playing some safety late in the Rose Bowl -- which suggests to me Akina/Andersen think his longterm future is at another, every-down position. I bet Murphy or Alexander could handle NB.

[washingtonismoney]

Why would you move Meeks out of the nickel position he did so well in as a Frosh?  Why would Justin Reid not be the FS when he was Whitfield's backup as a True Frosh?

Yeah, I'd be very surprised if Reid moves from safety.

But I could see Meeks moving if Akina thinks he needs to play every down. Meeks was playing some safety late in the Rose Bowl -- which suggests to me Akina/Andersen think his longterm future is at another, every-down position. I bet Murphy or Alexander could handle NB.

[larkinforever]

Given that Reid, Buncom, Edwards and Meeks all played as true freshmen, and DB recruiting this year has gone well notwithstanding the loss of David Long, I'd think one or more of next season's true freshmen might be ready to see the field next season (though I guess perhaps this season's true freshmen might limit the on-field opportunities for next season's true freshmen). No idea who might be the most likely - Treyjohn Butler?

[larkinforever]

Given that Reid, Buncom, Edwards and Meeks all played as true freshmen, and DB recruiting this year has gone well notwithstanding the loss of David Long, I'd think one or more of next season's true freshmen might be ready to see the field next season (though I guess perhaps this season's true freshmen might limit the on-field opportunities for next season's true freshmen). No idea who might be the most likely - Treyjohn Butler?

[TrumpCard]

I agree with WIM that Meeks should play every down.  The reason he didn't play CB this year was the lack of strength needed to tackle on running plays. He should develop that in the offseason.  There are plenty of safeties but not many guys can play on an island.

The main reason to move Reid to nickel is to keep Lloyd on the field. I think the staff has a very high opinion of Lloyd, especially as a quarterback for the defense. I don't know that Edwards has the cover skills to move, so Reid is the best option. We know Reid can play the position because the staff started him at NB once this year.

Buncom is the newbie who I see as most likely to break into a big role. He had a big recruiting profile.  Long would have been tough to keep off the field as well. Ulloa and Antoine need a year to add strength. Butler or Edmonds could break into the depth chart but as you see there now is plenty of talent in front of them.

[TrumpCard]

I agree with WIM that Meeks should play every down.  The reason he didn't play CB this year was the lack of strength needed to tackle on running plays. He should develop that in the offseason.  There are plenty of safeties but not many guys can play on an island.

The main reason to move Reid to nickel is to keep Lloyd on the field. I think the staff has a very high opinion of Lloyd, especially as a quarterback for the defense. I don't know that Edwards has the cover skills to move, so Reid is the best option. We know Reid can play the position because the staff started him at NB once this year.

Buncom is the newbie who I see as most likely to break into a big role. He had a big recruiting profile.  Long would have been tough to keep off the field as well. Ulloa and Antoine need a year to add strength. Butler or Edmonds could break into the depth chart but as you see there now is plenty of talent in front of them.

[BostonCard]

I still think a starting five of Holder, Murphy, Meeks, Reid, and Lloyd seems the most likely combination with Meeks covering the slot receiver (thus, nominally the NB).  Then it's just a question of who comes off when we play 4-3 front, in which case I'd probably go with Holder, Meeks, Reid, and Lloyd.

BC

[BostonCard]

I still think a starting five of Holder, Murphy, Meeks, Reid, and Lloyd seems the most likely combination with Meeks covering the slot receiver (thus, nominally the NB).  Then it's just a question of who comes off when we play 4-3 front, in which case I'd probably go with Holder, Meeks, Reid, and Lloyd.

BC

[terry]

Why would you move Meeks out of the nickel position he did so well in as a Frosh? 

You would move Meeks to get your best players on the field for more plays. Meeks would play more snaps as a cornerback than as a nickel back.

[terry]

Why would you move Meeks out of the nickel position he did so well in as a Frosh? 

You would move Meeks to get your best players on the field for more plays. Meeks would play more snaps as a cornerback than as a nickel back.

[terry]

Given that Reid, Buncom, Edwards and Meeks all played as true freshmen . . .

Buncom did not play this year.

[terry]

Given that Reid, Buncom, Edwards and Meeks all played as true freshmen . . .

Buncom did not play this year.

[AthleticsDynasty]

I think Alexander will start he's got the most upside of all our DBs IMO

[AthleticsDynasty]

I think Alexander will start he's got the most upside of all our DBs IMO

[Hank 91]

Meeks was my favorite of the young guys this season, even before his Rose Bowl interception. I think he's going to be a great one, and I think over the next two years we'll see the best group of Stanford defensive backs in the history of the program. Can't wait.

[Hank 91]

Meeks was my favorite of the young guys this season, even before his Rose Bowl interception. I think he's going to be a great one, and I think over the next two years we'll see the best group of Stanford defensive backs in the history of the program. Can't wait.

[BigEasyCard]

I think Alexander will start he's got the most upside of all our DBs IMO

For just one play, I'd like to see a secondary of Alexander, Reid, Taijuan Thomas, and Malik Antoine.  That would be an all-Louisiana secondary at a program 2100 miles from New Orleans.  :)

Geaux Cardinal!

[BigEasyCard]

I think Alexander will start he's got the most upside of all our DBs IMO

For just one play, I'd like to see a secondary of Alexander, Reid, Taijuan Thomas, and Malik Antoine.  That would be an all-Louisiana secondary at a program 2100 miles from New Orleans.  :)

Geaux Cardinal!

[BostonCard]

I think Alexander will start he's got the most upside of all our DBs IMO

Was Alexander injured this year?  He was a significant back-up  as a true freshman, and I had sort of assumed that he would be across Harris when the season started.  Then it was announced that he was in the mix at nickel back, and then that Meeks would be starting.  Towards the middle of the year, he sort of disappeared.  He got significant playing time when our starting corners were injured, but sadly got burned a couple times.  When all was said and done, he did get 4 pass break-ups and 30 tackles (many on special teams), but I can't help but think that the season as a whole was a disappointment for him.

BC

[BostonCard]

I think Alexander will start he's got the most upside of all our DBs IMO

Was Alexander injured this year?  He was a significant back-up  as a true freshman, and I had sort of assumed that he would be across Harris when the season started.  Then it was announced that he was in the mix at nickel back, and then that Meeks would be starting.  Towards the middle of the year, he sort of disappeared.  He got significant playing time when our starting corners were injured, but sadly got burned a couple times.  When all was said and done, he did get 4 pass break-ups and 30 tackles (many on special teams), but I can't help but think that the season as a whole was a disappointment for him.

BC

[washingtonismoney]

Alexander was ahead of Murphy in the Rose Bowl when we subbed in corners. But I wouldn't at all bet on Alexander starting next year; he'll be (probably?) competing with Murphy, Meeks, Buncom, and perhaps even true freshman. Hard to see him as the favorite.

[washingtonismoney]

Alexander was ahead of Murphy in the Rose Bowl when we subbed in corners. But I wouldn't at all bet on Alexander starting next year; he'll be (probably?) competing with Murphy, Meeks, Buncom, and perhaps even true freshman. Hard to see him as the favorite.

[CTcard]

[quote author=AthleticsDynasty link=topic=14301.msg151287#msg151287 date=1452021733]
I think Alexander will start he's got the most upside of all our DBs IMO

Was Alexander injured this year?  He was a significant back-up  as a true freshman, and I had sort of assumed that he would be across Harris when the season started.  Then it was announced that he was in the mix at nickel back, and then that Meeks would be starting.  Towards the middle of the year, he sort of disappeared.  He got significant playing time when our starting corners were injured, but sadly got burned a couple times.  When all was said and done, he did get 4 pass break-ups and 30 tackles (many on special teams), but I can't help but think that the season as a whole was a disappointment for him.
[/quote]

Alexander didn't play a defensive snap for much of the first half(?) of the season. I think he played a bit vs Northwestern and was then relegated to special teams for awhile. We had a poster on here who seemed to be a friend or relative who was quite unhappy about the situation. When some injuries piled up, Alexander got time and played well enough he still got on the field as folks came back.

My initial guess is that he will get time but is not odds-on favorite to be a starter.

[CTcard]

[quote author=AthleticsDynasty link=topic=14301.msg151287#msg151287 date=1452021733]
I think Alexander will start he's got the most upside of all our DBs IMO

Was Alexander injured this year?  He was a significant back-up  as a true freshman, and I had sort of assumed that he would be across Harris when the season started.  Then it was announced that he was in the mix at nickel back, and then that Meeks would be starting.  Towards the middle of the year, he sort of disappeared.  He got significant playing time when our starting corners were injured, but sadly got burned a couple times.  When all was said and done, he did get 4 pass break-ups and 30 tackles (many on special teams), but I can't help but think that the season as a whole was a disappointment for him.
[/quote]

Alexander didn't play a defensive snap for much of the first half(?) of the season. I think he played a bit vs Northwestern and was then relegated to special teams for awhile. We had a poster on here who seemed to be a friend or relative who was quite unhappy about the situation. When some injuries piled up, Alexander got time and played well enough he still got on the field as folks came back.

My initial guess is that he will get time but is not odds-on favorite to be a starter.

[AthleticsDynasty]

Alexander should of been the hero vs ND with the tackle he made just short of the endzone

[AthleticsDynasty]

Alexander should of been the hero vs ND with the tackle he made just short of the endzone