#3 Stanford Cardinal Season Preview

Stanford Quarterback Andrew Luck decided to return to school even though he would have been the clear cut #1 overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft.

Offensive Outlook: Andrew Luck is back at Stanford.  Luck will be due for another big year at Stanford.  One other player that may be a huge boost on offense is left tackle Jonathan Martin.  Both Luck and Martin could go in the top 5 of April’s 2012 NFL Draft if both players declare.

Stanford lost 3 of their 5 offensive lineman after Luck decided to return.  Only left tackle Jonathan Martin and right guard David DeCastro return.  Both Martin and DeCastro are first round prospects in the 2012 NFL Draft.

Despite losing Ryan Whalen Luck has a lot of targets back.  Chris Owusu will be Luck’s primary target at wide receiver.  Other receiving targets include wide receiver Griff Whalen and tight end Colby Fleener.

Running Back Stepfan Taylor will be Stanford’s running back in the backfield.  If Taylor does not run than Andrew Luck will use his dual threat ability to make defenders think before they react.

Defensive Outlook: Stanford’s defense rests with their 3-4 linebackers and safeties.  Despite losing Thomas Keiser sophomore Trent Murphy can step in at the 3-4 right outside linebacker spot with 3-4 left outside linebacker Chase Thomas playing next to him.  3-4 middle linebackers Max Bergen and Shayne Skov will help these 3-4 outside linebackers with their pass rushing ability.

Safeties Delano Howell and Michael Thomas anchor the Stanford secondary.  Teams will not be able to chuck it deep on Stanford.  Instead they will have to use their wide receivers to beat Stanford’s corners in man to man coverage.

Prediction 13-0 (PAC 12 Champion): Stanford goes 13-0 wins the PAC 12 and gets snubbed of a National Title appearance.