2006 Statistics

The new coordinator is David Shaw, an alum who came with coach Harbaugh from San Diego. That’s where they had the nation’s top passing, scoring and total offense on their way to the I-AA mid-major national title. Like Harbaugh, Shaw brings gads of NFL experience, so this is a well-rounded staff, to say the least. Lots of work still needs to be done on T.C. Ostrander, a pro-style hurler who doesn’t complete even half of his tries (45.6% in ‘06). The Atherton product had flashes of success as he started the last five games, but his (lack of solid) pocket presence was one of the reasons the Cardinals finished last in I-A for sacks allowed. He is the starter heading into fall, so getting the ball to their worthy receivers still could be a challenge. Tennis-champ Alex Loukas is a dual-threat RS frosh who would need some time to adjust if inserted, but he could be better than Ostrander after that and then take the team farther. Kellen Kiilsgaard come in this fall as the No.11 dual-threat prospect and should get a chance to learn on the fly if the other two struggle. Michigan-transfer Jason Forcier sits out 2007 per NCAA rules, so unless a Stanford QB leads the Cardinals to the Pac Ten title, this season is likely a one-and-out performance for whoever winds up taking the most snaps. The backs have a lot to prove after finishing 115th in rushing, but Baton Rouge’s Anthony Kimble isn’t the reason they struggled. Even with the sub-par performance of the line, this ex-WR has impressed since he climbed to the top of the RB depth chart in spring of 2005. Bigger Toby Gerhart also did the job when asked during those struggling times, so this unit isn’t as bad off as some may think, especially with the new offense in place. Tyrone McGraw had a huge spring game and is the change of pace needed with so many big backs occupying space. Speaking of big backs, FB Emeka Nnoli has both the pedigree and the proven numbers to get him more carries (only lost one yard on his 19 runs). But all of this backfield talent seems like it could still fight uphill after the line still struggled some this spring (seven sacks allowed in the spring game). Alum and local legend Chris Dalman is now the OL coach and has improved some factors, but he hasn’t quite found this bunch their groove. Still, some signs of improvements are there. Alex Fletcher is a bright spot, earning all-conference honors after he had to move to center – he is back at right guard. Most important, though, is Allen Smith. The left tackle responsible for so many of last year’s 50 sacks, Smith has to prove why he was so highly touted as a prepster if Stanford is to have enough time to develop those longer routes. This line does not lack talent, but getting them to play well as a unit could take time. The receivers are the team’s best offensive unit, and Evan Moore is their biggest target at 6’7. Ironically a former Cardinal roundballer, Moore is back from a stress fracture in his foot and looking ready to again win deep “jump balls”. Richard Sherman led the team in catches as a true frosh, and though a starter over the last four games in ’06, he will be tabbed as a third receiver for now. His “demotion” is due to the healthy return of veteran Mark Bradford, giving the Cardnial QBs plenty of top-shelf targets. The unit runs even deeper, and that doesn’t include the services of TE Tim Dray, who tied for second-most receptions on the team. In this pass-happy conference and with a new coach like Harbaugh, expect lots of short passes until the QBs feel comfortable in the new system. But if short passes don’t eventually lead to longer, field-stretching ones, it will be another long year as marginal QB play begets eight, nine and even ten men crowding the box.

When 11 guys return with significant starting experience, improvements are expected. New coordinator Scott Shafer has his work cut out, though, since those same 11 were the major components on a 1-11 team that ranked last in the Pac Ten in every major stopping category except ones concerning passing defense. As a testimonial, Shafer turned Western Michigan around quickly with his efforts there – they went from 1-10 to 7-4 and then 8-4, and they led the nation in sacks (46) and INTs (24) while finishing 11th for total results in ’06. If it all starts up front, then for the Cardinal’s third-worst run stopping efforts (in I-A), the starting front four have plenty to prove. Allowing foes almost five yards per carry (4.9) and 26 ground scores won’t likely be repeated, but these numbers show you how far they have to come to be competitive in this BCS-aligned conference. Important is the move from a 3-4 to an “attack” 4-3 – Udeme Udofia is the OLB who transitions to DE, and his three career blocked kicks makes him a 6’4 weapon when his arms are up. 6’6 Pannel Egboh was still slowed last year by a 2005 injury (broken leg), but this spring proved he is back at full strength. Udeme’s brother, Ekom, had more tackles from his inside spot than Udeme had roaming at linebacker, so he seems solid, too. And the numbers on Chris Horn prove that he just needs to find more consistency to elevate his already decent efforts. The DL backups represent a huge drop off in size and experience, so health issue up front would be impacting, to say the least. The LBs are led by Clinton Snyder and Pat Maynor. Maynor is a bit small for the middle in the Pac Ten, but backup Will Powers has the girth on running downs to effectively shoot the gaps. Snyder was third in tackles and first in forced fumbles for Stanford. Ex-Decathlete Pete Griffin has earned his start with the grit and determination only a former walk-on could display. This corps has proven itself in coverage more than they have against the run, but the results from spring dictate that they have to be better in run support since the line is still not quite ready. That means the secondary will have to pick up where it left off as one of the team’s top-performing units. Wopamo Osaisai is the all-conference corner who can shut his side down – he owns the school 100m record (10.39) and won the 100m and 200m at the Junior Olympics (2004). Sanchez and Sims are nearly as good, and each will shine as foes throw away from Osaisai. Bo McNally is the most experienced safety left (three major departures here will sting), and, though, ex-WR Austin Yancy is doing well in his rapid development at free safety, these two starters will have a trial-by-fire in this aerial conference. Another former receiver, Thaddeus Chase could push for reps if Yancy falters. The D had its moments this spring, but there seems to still be more problems than solutions. Each unit has leaders and a few top performers, but it all has to come together for Shafer right away with early foes UCLA, Oregon and USC ready to interrupt development(s).