POSITION BREAKDOWN
OFFENSE
Quarterback: After Keller Chryst injured his right anterior cruciate ligament in the Sun Bowl last season, there was some question as to whether he would be healthy enough to play at all this season, much less start. The senior had an impressive recovery process, though, and took the starting job back early in training camp. The Cardinal have a solid backup in fifth-year senior Ryan Burns, but this is Chryst’s job to lose.
Running backs: While it will be nearly impossible to replace Christian McCaffrey, Bryce Love could come close. A year after running for 783 yards while averaging more than 7 yards per carry as a backup, the speedy junior should be the new focal point of the offense. He’ll have Daniel Marx blocking for him again after the senior fullback missed six games last season. The depth behind Love could be a little more precarious — redshirt freshmen Dorian Maddox and Trevor Speights were highly recruited but haven’t played in a college game, and redshirt sophomore Cameron Scarlett, the likely short-yardage back, has fewer than 40 career carries.
Wide receivers/tight ends: Outside of junior Trent Irwin, Stanford’s leading wide receiver last season and its most precise route-runner, and junior JJ Arcega-Whiteside, a tall deep threat, the Cardinal are unproven out wide. Freshman Connor Wedington shows promise at wide receiver although his future may be at running back. The Cardinal more than make up for that with their tight end group, though. Redshirt junior Dalton Schultz could be one of college football’s top tight ends, and freshman Colby Parkinson and redshirt freshmen Kaden Smith and Scooter Harrington have all impressed at camp. Look for Stanford to get creative with the group and play all three at the same time.
Offensive line: Stanford allowed the second most sacks in the Pac-12 last season. Even though four starters return from that unit, the Cardinal can’t count on experience alone to bounce back. It looks as if redshirt senior David Bright will lead at left tackle, likely joined by sophomore left guard Nate Herbig, senior center Jesse Burkett and senior right tackle A.T. Hall, though Hall didn’t make the trip to Australia and will be replaced by sophomore Devery Hamilton. Senior Brandon Fanaika beat out junior Nick Wilson for the starting right guard position, but Shaw said in camp that more than one lineman could play in that spot against Rice.