Boss of defense sees the potential for improvement
Defensive coordinator Lance Anderson said he’s never seen a Stanford team as decimated by injuries at spring practice as this one. And this is a man who could spot a ray of sunshine in a driving rainstorm.
Sunday, after the final practice of the first two-week session — practice resumes April 3 after finals and spring break — he gave a rundown on the some of the defense’s leaders.
Bobby Okereke, inside linebacker: After a great 2017, “he has to understand how talented he is and take that game to the next level, and progress just like Shayne Skov and Blake Martinez did … to continue to push yourself to be one of the best in the conference and one of the best in the nation,” Anderson said. “He has that kind of ability.”
Dalyn Wade-Perry, tackle: “He’s been good all spring long,” Anderson said. “He needs to improve his conditioning, form, technique, footwork, but he’s a very talented kid who’s really light on his feet. He’s a strong, talented guy. It’s hard for offenses to move him. He’s got a huge upside; he’s going to be important for us.”
Jovan Swann, end: “He’s been tremendous, going back to the 6 a.m. workouts before we started spring ball,” Anderson said. “A great work ethic, the leader of that group. He needs to work on technique. He didn’t play real well in the last couple games of the year. I think that motivated him. He knows that. He’s working hard.”
Dylan Jackson, end: The only returning starter in the line “needs to get stronger and more explosive so that he can finish plays,” Anderson said. “He’s played a good amount of football; he understands his role.”
Gabe Reid, outside linebacker: He redshirted last year after serving a two-year LDS Church mission. “He’s the guy we’re most pleased with this spring,” Anderson said. “Our most consistent pass rusher. He just needs the experience, but physically he’s played very well.”
Alameen Murphy and Malik Antoine: They’re listed as cornerbacks but have played all over the secondary as a result of injuries to safeties Frank Buncom, Ben Edwards and Brandon Simmons as well as cornerbacks Alijah Holder and Paulson Adebo.
Head coach David Shaw has been especially high on Murphy, who will be a fifth-year senior. “He’s shown unbelievable growth and maturity,” Shaw said. “I can’t say enough about him. He’s one of those guys who has allowed us to practice.”
Briefly: Defensive tackle Michael Williams, who underwent a heart procedure in January, is playing and said he feels “as good as I’ve felt in years.’’ He said he had an irregular heartbeat that “caused me to get fatigued. Now I feel tremendous.” … Also among the missing have been tailbacks Bryce Love and Cameron Scarlett, quarterbacks K.J. Costello and Davis Mills, fullback Reagan Williams, center Jesse Burkett, wide receiver Donald Stewart, outside linebackers Joey Alfieri and Jordan Fox and inside linebacker Sean Barton . ... Shaw praised walk-on Jack Richardson, the only healthy quarterback in camp. “His work ethic and determination to push himself and improve and know this system as much as anybody have been just awesome.” … During the 11-on-11 session, Richardson threw an interception but also had accurate passes to Trent Irwin, Connor Wedington, Scooter Harrington, Kaden Smith, Colby Parkinson and Osiris St. Brown.
“He’s got a huge upside; he’s going to be important for us.” Lance Anderson, on Stanford defensive tackle Dalyn Wade-Perry