It's still very early - way too early judge to collective success of the group - and a few of the players have already been recruited over (in the secondary). But you have to like some of the early contributions from members of Stanford's 2014 class.
-Christian McCaffrey: One of the Pac-12's biggest disappointments. Also: potential Heisman contender.
-Solomon Thomas: Stanford's best defensive lineman? Three-year (or four-year) starter
-Alijah Holder: Stanford hasn't faced the best slate of QB's, but he has been solid this year, including yesterday's pick six. Probable three-year (or four-year starter).
-Harrison Phillips: Would have been a starter.
-Casey Tucker: Has been beat for a few sacks, but generally solid. Going to be a multi-year starter.
-Daniel Marx: I can't say I've focused on him all that much, but it sure seems like he's been very solid this year. Going to be a multi-year starter.
-Dalton Schultz: Has not been very involved as a receiver, but plays a lot and appears to be an excellent blocker. Multi-year starter.
-Joey Alfieri: Had the best game of his young career yesterday. Looks like he'll be a multi-year starter when all is said and done.
Alameen Murphy and Jordan Perez were listed as co-starters at the beginning of the season, and several others are contributing on special teams. And of course you can't forget about Keller Chryst.
So, again, long way to go for the class, but it strikes me as a positive sign that a number are already key players in their second years. And we'll see how the others progress over the next few seasons.
-Christian McCaffrey: One of the Pac-12's biggest disappointments. Also: potential Heisman contender.
-Solomon Thomas: Stanford's best defensive lineman? Three-year (or four-year) starter
-Alijah Holder: Stanford hasn't faced the best slate of QB's, but he has been solid this year, including yesterday's pick six. Probable three-year (or four-year starter).
-Harrison Phillips: Would have been a starter.
-Casey Tucker: Has been beat for a few sacks, but generally solid. Going to be a multi-year starter.
-Daniel Marx: I can't say I've focused on him all that much, but it sure seems like he's been very solid this year. Going to be a multi-year starter.
-Dalton Schultz: Has not been very involved as a receiver, but plays a lot and appears to be an excellent blocker. Multi-year starter.
-Joey Alfieri: Had the best game of his young career yesterday. Looks like he'll be a multi-year starter when all is said and done.
Alameen Murphy and Jordan Perez were listed as co-starters at the beginning of the season, and several others are contributing on special teams. And of course you can't forget about Keller Chryst.
So, again, long way to go for the class, but it strikes me as a positive sign that a number are already key players in their second years. And we'll see how the others progress over the next few seasons.
