[Phogge]

After he redshirts in 2019 he'll play special teams in 2020. Hope I'm still alive.

[Phogge]

After he redshirts in 2019 he'll play special teams in 2020. Hope I'm still alive.

[kuz]

[quote author=JPRI link=topic=11701.msg187148#msg187148 date=1485169027]
The latest on Johnson. Sounds like we have a good shot. I like the part about how if he were hurt he would want to be a regular student.
https://www.seccountry.com/auburn/auburn...n-stanford

A new possibility. Whether we get him or not, you got to love the way we strike fear into the hearts of the ND faithful on the recruiting trail these days.
http://www.uhnd.com/recruiting/class-201...sit-34627/

My take on Johnson: it's really difficult to say no to an SEC school like Auburn when you are born and raised in the neighborhood. I think he chooses Stanford, but needs to show that he is seriously considering Auburn, give it props for being a great school, but eventually say that the lifetime decision was too much to pass up at Stanford. We've reached a point in Stanford recruiting that most of the fans of other institutions will accept that decision (recall the comments of Walker Little's parents about the respect for the Stanford education on other teams' discussion boards), but it helps to play up how difficult the decision was. But, if you pushed yourself through the application process and gained an acceptance, I think the odds are pretty high you will come to Stanford.

Regarding Fields: he did tweet that he had a Stanford offer. But I wonder: was that the coaches saying, hey, it's not too late if you want to rush through an application, to take a shot. Though he scheduled his announcement and we are not on his list of final schools.
[/quote]
Don't believe every tweet you read. Fields does not have an offer.

[kuz]

[quote author=JPRI link=topic=11701.msg187148#msg187148 date=1485169027]
The latest on Johnson. Sounds like we have a good shot. I like the part about how if he were hurt he would want to be a regular student.
https://www.seccountry.com/auburn/auburn...n-stanford

A new possibility. Whether we get him or not, you got to love the way we strike fear into the hearts of the ND faithful on the recruiting trail these days.
http://www.uhnd.com/recruiting/class-201...sit-34627/

My take on Johnson: it's really difficult to say no to an SEC school like Auburn when you are born and raised in the neighborhood. I think he chooses Stanford, but needs to show that he is seriously considering Auburn, give it props for being a great school, but eventually say that the lifetime decision was too much to pass up at Stanford. We've reached a point in Stanford recruiting that most of the fans of other institutions will accept that decision (recall the comments of Walker Little's parents about the respect for the Stanford education on other teams' discussion boards), but it helps to play up how difficult the decision was. But, if you pushed yourself through the application process and gained an acceptance, I think the odds are pretty high you will come to Stanford.

Regarding Fields: he did tweet that he had a Stanford offer. But I wonder: was that the coaches saying, hey, it's not too late if you want to rush through an application, to take a shot. Though he scheduled his announcement and we are not on his list of final schools.
[/quote]
Don't believe every tweet you read. Fields does not have an offer.

[socalstanfan1]

[quote author=Langdude link=topic=11701.msg187054#msg187054 date=1485061918]
We landed Levani Damuni. Three-star LB. Big need. Utah pipeline continues.

http://247sports.com/Article/Damuni-comm...l-50720945

-m.

Further gloss on Damuni's ranking: Rivals rates him as a 4-star, and 247 gives him a score of 89 (a 90 would get him a fourth star).  So while the majority of services have him as a 3-star, he's at the tippy top of the 3-star range.
[/quote]

Past 3-star LBs: Blake Martinez, Trent Murphy.

I'm not predicting such success for anyone. But sometimes we put too much emphasis on the stars next to a person's name when they are a HS senior

[socalstanfan1]

[quote author=Langdude link=topic=11701.msg187054#msg187054 date=1485061918]
We landed Levani Damuni. Three-star LB. Big need. Utah pipeline continues.

http://247sports.com/Article/Damuni-comm...l-50720945

-m.

Further gloss on Damuni's ranking: Rivals rates him as a 4-star, and 247 gives him a score of 89 (a 90 would get him a fourth star).  So while the majority of services have him as a 3-star, he's at the tippy top of the 3-star range.
[/quote]

Past 3-star LBs: Blake Martinez, Trent Murphy.

I'm not predicting such success for anyone. But sometimes we put too much emphasis on the stars next to a person's name when they are a HS senior

[ColoradoTree]

To be sure, star rankings are neither perfect nor always predictive of future success, and there will always be 2-star guys like Ben Gardner who thrive and 5-star guys who flop.  But, on balance, the more 4-star recruits you have, the more talent you have.  Nick Saban is a good coach, but surely the constant stream of 4- and 5-star recruits doesn't hurt!

[ColoradoTree]

To be sure, star rankings are neither perfect nor always predictive of future success, and there will always be 2-star guys like Ben Gardner who thrive and 5-star guys who flop.  But, on balance, the more 4-star recruits you have, the more talent you have.  Nick Saban is a good coach, but surely the constant stream of 4- and 5-star recruits doesn't hurt!

[Mick]

To be sure, star rankings are neither perfect nor always predictive of future success, and there will always be 2-star guys like Ben Gardner who thrive and 5-star guys who flop.  But, on balance, the more 4-star recruits you have, the more talent you have.  Nick Saban is a good coach, but surely the constant stream of 4- and 5-star recruits doesn't hurt!

You can make a team of NFL All-pros just using two or fewer star players:

QB Tony Romo
WR Ed Reed, Victor Cruz,
RB Chris Johnson (ran a 10.38 100 and a 4.2 40 in HS.  2 stars),
RB Alfred Morris (was all-FL LB)
TE Julius Thomas
OT Joe Staley, Ryan Clady
OG Josh Sitton, Mike Iupati
C Alex Mack

DE DeMarcus Ware, JJ Watt
DT BJ Raji, Dontari Poe
LB Bobby Wagner, Connor Barwin, Chad Greenway
CB Brent Grimes, Aqib Talib
S Ed Reed, Eric Weddle

[Mick]

To be sure, star rankings are neither perfect nor always predictive of future success, and there will always be 2-star guys like Ben Gardner who thrive and 5-star guys who flop.  But, on balance, the more 4-star recruits you have, the more talent you have.  Nick Saban is a good coach, but surely the constant stream of 4- and 5-star recruits doesn't hurt!

You can make a team of NFL All-pros just using two or fewer star players:

QB Tony Romo
WR Ed Reed, Victor Cruz,
RB Chris Johnson (ran a 10.38 100 and a 4.2 40 in HS.  2 stars),
RB Alfred Morris (was all-FL LB)
TE Julius Thomas
OT Joe Staley, Ryan Clady
OG Josh Sitton, Mike Iupati
C Alex Mack

DE DeMarcus Ware, JJ Watt
DT BJ Raji, Dontari Poe
LB Bobby Wagner, Connor Barwin, Chad Greenway
CB Brent Grimes, Aqib Talib
S Ed Reed, Eric Weddle

[OutsiderFan]

Finally, a discussion about recruit star ratings as indicator of future performance, on a college football forum on the internet!  :P

[OutsiderFan]

Finally, a discussion about recruit star ratings as indicator of future performance, on a college football forum on the internet!  :P

[SamuelMcF]

Finally, a discussion about recruit star ratings as indicator of future performance, on a college football forum on the internet!  :P

Dorian "Mad-dog" Maddox for Doak Walker 2017! You heard it here first! The thunder to Love's lightning! The Maryland masher! From 2-stardom to TRUE stardom!

[SamuelMcF]

Finally, a discussion about recruit star ratings as indicator of future performance, on a college football forum on the internet!  :P

Dorian "Mad-dog" Maddox for Doak Walker 2017! You heard it here first! The thunder to Love's lightning! The Maryland masher! From 2-stardom to TRUE stardom!

[CornFed]

After he redshirts in 2019 he'll play special teams in 2020. Hope I'm still alive.

Actually, Phogge, I am fast approaching the point that I don't buy under-ripe bananas.

[CornFed]

After he redshirts in 2019 he'll play special teams in 2020. Hope I'm still alive.

Actually, Phogge, I am fast approaching the point that I don't buy under-ripe bananas.

[Spiny_Norman]

Even Auburn alumni football players think Ryan Johnson should go to Stanford. 

https://twitter.com/RobShuler1/status/82...3864142848

Of course, Rob Shuler is not only an Auburn alum. He is also Graham Shuler's dad.

[Spiny_Norman]

Even Auburn alumni football players think Ryan Johnson should go to Stanford. 

https://twitter.com/RobShuler1/status/82...3864142848

Of course, Rob Shuler is not only an Auburn alum. He is also Graham Shuler's dad.

[socalstanfan1]

To be sure, star rankings are neither perfect nor always predictive of future success, and there will always be 2-star guys like Ben Gardner who thrive and 5-star guys who flop.  But, on balance, the more 4-star recruits you have, the more talent you have.  Nick Saban is a good coach, but surely the constant stream of 4- and 5-star recruits doesn't hurt!

We are in agreement on this.  I might even go so far as to say that it is likely that Damuni is as good or better than some of the players with the 4th star, whether he gets that ranking from all the recruiting services or not.  He's a top-tier athlete with great opportunity for success, if all the intangibles are in place: attitude, intelligence, work-ethic. 

[socalstanfan1]

To be sure, star rankings are neither perfect nor always predictive of future success, and there will always be 2-star guys like Ben Gardner who thrive and 5-star guys who flop.  But, on balance, the more 4-star recruits you have, the more talent you have.  Nick Saban is a good coach, but surely the constant stream of 4- and 5-star recruits doesn't hurt!

We are in agreement on this.  I might even go so far as to say that it is likely that Damuni is as good or better than some of the players with the 4th star, whether he gets that ranking from all the recruiting services or not.  He's a top-tier athlete with great opportunity for success, if all the intangibles are in place: attitude, intelligence, work-ethic. 

[AthleticsDynasty]

We signed 4 DL last year and have 1 committed this year.  We signed 1 LB last year and have 0 committed thus far this year that are not going on a two year mission. We play 4 LBs on every play and 2-3 DL on every play. I think our need for LBs is much greater than our need for DL.  Thus, if I had a choice due to positional need, I will take the LB being recruited by Georgia over the DE being recruited by Auburn (Alabama offer is not on the table any longer) even though they have comparable overall recruiting rankings, but I would love to have both of them. We need them both.

The #s at LB are perfect

Branch Toohil and Barton in 15
Robinson and Fox last year
Reid this year
And we already have Kaufusi coming in 18

[AthleticsDynasty]

We signed 4 DL last year and have 1 committed this year.  We signed 1 LB last year and have 0 committed thus far this year that are not going on a two year mission. We play 4 LBs on every play and 2-3 DL on every play. I think our need for LBs is much greater than our need for DL.  Thus, if I had a choice due to positional need, I will take the LB being recruited by Georgia over the DE being recruited by Auburn (Alabama offer is not on the table any longer) even though they have comparable overall recruiting rankings, but I would love to have both of them. We need them both.

The #s at LB are perfect

Branch Toohil and Barton in 15
Robinson and Fox last year
Reid this year
And we already have Kaufusi coming in 18

[donkey687]

The #s at LB are perfect

Branch Toohil and Barton in 15
Robinson and Fox last year
Reid this year
And we already have Kaufusi coming in 18

Perfect?
Branch didn't redshirt so for fall of 2019 (i.e. 2 years from September 1), the only scholarship LBs on the team not including true frosh from 2018 will be:  Toohil, Barton, Robinson (eligible for NFL), Fox and Reid (who may be a DE).  That is red-line scary to me to have 3-5 players over 3 eligibility cycles. On a pro-rata basis, there should be 10-12 LBs across 3 eligibility classes.  LB is our biggest recruiting need. We play 4 on every defensive snap. It is a position of high injury. They are strong special teams contributors.  We have a problem here unlike any other position where we will be at least 2x deep across any 3 eligibility classes.  I don't know if Warner has been admitted, but I really really want him.

[donkey687]

The #s at LB are perfect

Branch Toohil and Barton in 15
Robinson and Fox last year
Reid this year
And we already have Kaufusi coming in 18

Perfect?
Branch didn't redshirt so for fall of 2019 (i.e. 2 years from September 1), the only scholarship LBs on the team not including true frosh from 2018 will be:  Toohil, Barton, Robinson (eligible for NFL), Fox and Reid (who may be a DE).  That is red-line scary to me to have 3-5 players over 3 eligibility cycles. On a pro-rata basis, there should be 10-12 LBs across 3 eligibility classes.  LB is our biggest recruiting need. We play 4 on every defensive snap. It is a position of high injury. They are strong special teams contributors.  We have a problem here unlike any other position where we will be at least 2x deep across any 3 eligibility classes.  I don't know if Warner has been admitted, but I really really want him.

[AthleticsDynasty]

[quote author=AthleticsDynasty link=topic=11701.msg187276#msg187276 date=1485250240]
The #s at LB are perfect

Branch Toohil and Barton in 15
Robinson and Fox last year
Reid this year
And we already have Kaufusi coming in 18

Perfect?
Branch didn't redshirt so for fall of 2019 (i.e. 2 years from September 1), the only scholarship LBs on the team not including true frosh from 2018 will be:  Toohil, Barton, Robinson (eligible for NFL), Fox and Reid (who may be a DE).  That is red-line scary to me to have 3-5 players over 3 eligibility cycles. On a pro-rata basis, there should be 10-12 LBs across 3 eligibility classes.  LB is our biggest recruiting need. We play 4 on every defensive snap. It is a position of high injury. They are strong special teams contributors.  We have a problem here unlike any other position where we will be at least 2x deep across any 3 eligibility classes.  I don't know if Warner has been admitted, but I really really want him.
[/quote]

5 upper classmen LBs for 2019 is fine. 18 recruits(Kaufusi+) would be RS freshmen or sophomores, 19 recruits(Dumani+) would be true freshmen for te 2019 season.

I get why you were worried originally because you didn't count Fox or Reid but when you account for them we are in great shape

[AthleticsDynasty]

[quote author=AthleticsDynasty link=topic=11701.msg187276#msg187276 date=1485250240]
The #s at LB are perfect

Branch Toohil and Barton in 15
Robinson and Fox last year
Reid this year
And we already have Kaufusi coming in 18

Perfect?
Branch didn't redshirt so for fall of 2019 (i.e. 2 years from September 1), the only scholarship LBs on the team not including true frosh from 2018 will be:  Toohil, Barton, Robinson (eligible for NFL), Fox and Reid (who may be a DE).  That is red-line scary to me to have 3-5 players over 3 eligibility cycles. On a pro-rata basis, there should be 10-12 LBs across 3 eligibility classes.  LB is our biggest recruiting need. We play 4 on every defensive snap. It is a position of high injury. They are strong special teams contributors.  We have a problem here unlike any other position where we will be at least 2x deep across any 3 eligibility classes.  I don't know if Warner has been admitted, but I really really want him.
[/quote]

5 upper classmen LBs for 2019 is fine. 18 recruits(Kaufusi+) would be RS freshmen or sophomores, 19 recruits(Dumani+) would be true freshmen for te 2019 season.

I get why you were worried originally because you didn't count Fox or Reid but when you account for them we are in great shape

[donkey687]

I like your comfort with small numbers of LBs, but Reid is classified as a DE by both rivals and scout.  If Robinson lives up to his recruiting projection, he could go to the NFL after 2018 season.  Injuries happen. Some players may not be that good. Relying on true frosh to play and possibly even start is scary.  There is no other position that lacks the projected numbers on the Stanford roster than LB in two years.  Fans tend to project recruiting needs with current depth and skill chart but you really need to look two years out.  We signed 4 DL last year, that is less of an urgent future need than LB imo.

[donkey687]

I like your comfort with small numbers of LBs, but Reid is classified as a DE by both rivals and scout.  If Robinson lives up to his recruiting projection, he could go to the NFL after 2018 season.  Injuries happen. Some players may not be that good. Relying on true frosh to play and possibly even start is scary.  There is no other position that lacks the projected numbers on the Stanford roster than LB in two years.  Fans tend to project recruiting needs with current depth and skill chart but you really need to look two years out.  We signed 4 DL last year, that is less of an urgent future need than LB imo.

[AthleticsDynasty]

I like your comfort with small numbers of LBs, but Reid is classified as a DE by both rivals and scout.  If Robinson lives up to his recruiting projection, he could go to the NFL after 2018 season.  Injuries happen. Some players may not be that good. Relying on true frosh to play and possibly even start is scary.  There is no other position that lacks the projected numbers on the Stanford roster than LB in two years.  Fans tend to project recruiting needs with current depth and skill chart but you really need to look two years out.  We signed 4 DL last year, that is less of an urgent future need than LB imo.

From the Stanford football youtube page https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMMwtezjai8 Reid is an OLB end of story. Either way we would have 5 upper classmen so we wouldn't be relying on freshmen or sophomores. 5 upperclassmen LBs

Also shouldn't you be far more concerned about Safeties? Seeing as how for 2019 we only have 2 maybe 3 right now? And unlike LB we don't have guys lined up for the 18 and 19 classes?

[AthleticsDynasty]

I like your comfort with small numbers of LBs, but Reid is classified as a DE by both rivals and scout.  If Robinson lives up to his recruiting projection, he could go to the NFL after 2018 season.  Injuries happen. Some players may not be that good. Relying on true frosh to play and possibly even start is scary.  There is no other position that lacks the projected numbers on the Stanford roster than LB in two years.  Fans tend to project recruiting needs with current depth and skill chart but you really need to look two years out.  We signed 4 DL last year, that is less of an urgent future need than LB imo.

From the Stanford football youtube page https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMMwtezjai8 Reid is an OLB end of story. Either way we would have 5 upper classmen so we wouldn't be relying on freshmen or sophomores. 5 upperclassmen LBs

Also shouldn't you be far more concerned about Safeties? Seeing as how for 2019 we only have 2 maybe 3 right now? And unlike LB we don't have guys lined up for the 18 and 19 classes?

[OutsiderFan]

Reid is an OLB at Stanford full stop.

[OutsiderFan]

Reid is an OLB at Stanford full stop.

[socalstanfan1]

Also shouldn't you be far more concerned about Safeties? Seeing as how for 2019 we only have 2 maybe 3 right now? And unlike LB we don't have guys lined up for the 18 and 19 classes?

The difference here is that it is relatively common for defensive backs to come in slotted into one position, either S or CB, and move to the other.  So Paulson Adebo may come in as a CB, but given size and strength, and possible team need, he could easily end up as a S with excellent cover skills.  I suppose we could say the same about DE and OLB in the Stanford system.  CBs Treyjohn Butler and Frank Buncom were, at various points in the recruiting process, considered Safeties.  I assume that though it might not be ideal, they could move back in a pinch.

I think it makes more sense to break down the defense into three categories: DB, DE/OLB, and DT.  Defensive Tackles are the one group of players that might struggle moving to another position (though, even here, it isn't unusual to see an athletic DT evolve into big DE in the 3-4 defense.  But true Nose Tackles have a more difficult time playing other positions).  Given the number of DB we have admitted in the past few classes, I think we are in good shape there with athletes who can fill different roles.  But I do think we need to make sure to add depth to the DE/OLB spot.

[socalstanfan1]

Also shouldn't you be far more concerned about Safeties? Seeing as how for 2019 we only have 2 maybe 3 right now? And unlike LB we don't have guys lined up for the 18 and 19 classes?

The difference here is that it is relatively common for defensive backs to come in slotted into one position, either S or CB, and move to the other.  So Paulson Adebo may come in as a CB, but given size and strength, and possible team need, he could easily end up as a S with excellent cover skills.  I suppose we could say the same about DE and OLB in the Stanford system.  CBs Treyjohn Butler and Frank Buncom were, at various points in the recruiting process, considered Safeties.  I assume that though it might not be ideal, they could move back in a pinch.

I think it makes more sense to break down the defense into three categories: DB, DE/OLB, and DT.  Defensive Tackles are the one group of players that might struggle moving to another position (though, even here, it isn't unusual to see an athletic DT evolve into big DE in the 3-4 defense.  But true Nose Tackles have a more difficult time playing other positions).  Given the number of DB we have admitted in the past few classes, I think we are in good shape there with athletes who can fill different roles.  But I do think we need to make sure to add depth to the DE/OLB spot.

[TrumpCard]

Looking at recent recruiting results, I think the staff has the same three categories.  I would have hoped for a couple of ILBs though!

[TrumpCard]

Looking at recent recruiting results, I think the staff has the same three categories.  I would have hoped for a couple of ILBs though!

[Papa John]

Meanwhile, 247sports' crystal ball is predicting 92% Auburn, 7% Bama (what?) for Ryan Johnson. Two more predictions for Auburn came in just a day or two ago. Doesn't Stanford have an in-home visit with RJ soon?

As for Warner, 93% of the crystal ball is now predicting FSU, with all of those predictions--or flips from Georgia--coming in the last day or two. So the LW ship has sailed?

[Papa John]

Meanwhile, 247sports' crystal ball is predicting 92% Auburn, 7% Bama (what?) for Ryan Johnson. Two more predictions for Auburn came in just a day or two ago. Doesn't Stanford have an in-home visit with RJ soon?

As for Warner, 93% of the crystal ball is now predicting FSU, with all of those predictions--or flips from Georgia--coming in the last day or two. So the LW ship has sailed?

[BostonCard]

Reid is expected to play LB for us.

[BostonCard]

Reid is expected to play LB for us.