Previewing the 2009 Stanford Cardinal secondary

The Stanford football defensive backfield may be the biggest question mark of the upcoming season. It is a group that struggled at times in 2008. The Cardinal ranked 9^th in the Pac-10 in pass defense. The defense as a whole had a lot of trouble getting off the field late in games like against Oregon and UCLA.

 

While late game drives are a product of a team collapse, the secondary never did establish itself. But that was last year.

 

This year’s secondary should prove to be very interesting. While there are three returning starters on the squad, nobody besides Bo McNally seems guaranteed playing time. The defensive backfield should prove to be the most competitive positions in training camp battles.

 

Bo McNally is a clear cut starter. The senior has led the team in tackles the last two years and his fierce hitting style adds emotion to the whole defensive unit. This year thought it appears McNally may move from strong safety, where he has started the last two seasons, to free safety where he can captain the defense and roam the secondary looking for the ball a little more.

 

McNally’s move could open up the starting strong safety job for Delano Howell. Yes, last year’s true freshman running back was very impressive on offense spelling Anthony Kimble and Toby Gerhart. But the need for more athleticism in the secondary prompted the coaches to make the move. Howell is a player. He has the potential to be a star no matter where he lines up. So if he picks up the defense quickly, Howell and McNally could form a very interesting duo at safety.

 

Redshirt sophomore Sean Wiser played in 10 games last year, starting the last eight, and will continue to compete for time as a starter or backup. Then of course there is Austin Yancy who missed last year with a hamstring injury suffered in training camp. He started all 12 games in 2007 at strong safety. Junior Taylor Skaufel made four starts last year. And redshirt freshmen Johnson Bademosi and Chase Richard, from Menlo high school in Atherton, are also listed on the depth charts as players expected to compete for time.

 

The cornerback position is equally as filled with names of players trying to fight their way to the top. Junior Corey Gatewood also fought some injuries last year and played in just one game, but in spring he was listed as the starter to replace departed Wopamo Osaisai. At right corner, Michael Thomas saw plenty of time in the nickel package as a true freshman. This year he is being counted on to step up and earn the starting job. He may also see time on offense like he did last year in the “wildcat” formation.

 

This is not to count out Kris Evans. The senior started all 12 games last year and you know he will be fighting to keep his job for his final season. Redshirt freshmen Harold Bernard and Quinn Evans and Junior Mark Mueller are also expected to compete for playing time.

 

Then there is Richard Sherman. Where will he line up? The senior wide receiver was moved to cornerback this spring. Sherman is athletic enough that he may very well end up playing some snaps on offense and on defense in a supporting role. The experiment will continue to play out throughout training camp.

 

The bodies are certainly there. The question is which ones will step up and not only earn playing time, but take this secondary to the next level? The defensive line is expected to take a major step forward and that should be a huge help. But the Cardinal is still going to need to see major improvement in the defensive backfield to take that next step into championship contention.

 

OTHER ARTICLES:

 

PREVIEWING THE 2009 LINEBACKERS

 

PREVIEWING THE 2009 DEFENSIVE LINE

 

RICHARD SHERMAN: WIDE RECEIVER OR CORNERBACK?

 

Q&A WITH MICHAEL THOMAS