Stanford Football kicks off a new season this Friday, so it's high time Channel Tree delivered some cogent analysis on Troy Taylor's second season. Will it be a Sophomore Slump, Or Comeback Of The Year? Today we're serving up a delicious pairing of offensive position groups and an assortment of thoughts. Bon appetit!
Quarterback
Junior QB Ashton Daniels was the starter last year and looks to retain his role despite highly touted four star recruit Freshman QB Elijah Brown from Mater Dei (where else?) joining the Cardinal. Taking over for the team last season after splitting reps with fellow junior Justin Lamson, Daniels passed for 2,247 yards with 11 touchdowns and 8 interceptions. The second year starter hopes to improve on two issues that were prominent last season—footwork and timing— which were exacerbated by a young and inexperienced line.
Lamson has played alongside Daniels as the running quarterback in Troy Taylor’s offense and is poised to continue in that role this Fall, though whether he'll get as many reps as last year is yet to be seen.
Our sources indicate that sophomore QB Myles Jackson and the aforementioned freshman QB Elijah Brown have impressed staff with their work ethic on and off the field but are not expected to see extensive time this season.
Running Back
Following the departure of senior running backs EJ Smith (transferred to Texas A&M) and Casey Filkins (graduated, now a 49ers assistant scout), the running back room has only one scholarship upperclassman. However, staff are high on sophomore RB Sedrick Irvin Jr. who has been taking snaps with the first-team offense.
Freshman running backs Chris Davis Jr., Cole Tabb, and Micah Ford are bringing a youthful excitement to the group. Davis Jr. and Tabb should be able to contribute a refreshing shiftiness and speed. A former dual-threat quarterback in high school, Ford could provide another dimension when he is on the field. Maybe McCaffrey can swing on by from Niners training camp and show him how to drop trick play dimes as an RB.
Offensive Line
The offensive line hopes to improve from its struggles last season, which prevented Coach Troy Taylor from running his desired offense. The core group largely remains the same but with more experience and cohesion. Heading into TCU, the projected starters are sophomore LT Luke Baklenko, senior G Jack Leyrer, fifth-year C Levi Rogers, sophomore G Simione Pale, and fifth-year RT Connor McLaughlin.
Wide Receivers
The biggest strength of the team is the wide receiver position group led by Junior WR Elic Ayomanor. One of the best players in college football, the breakout star combines strength and speed to change games, such as the electric 2023 comeback against Colorado. If you're wondering, his EA Sports College Football 25 overall rating is 88 (and his speed is a 94).
Sophomore WR Tiger Bachmeier continues to be an excellent No. 2 option alongside Ayomanor. Described as a “go getter,” Bachmeier has a knack for fearlessly and aggressively making successful contested catches.
Despite two stars ahead of him, freshman WR Emmett Mosely V has made some noise with his dynamism and may see some playing time this season.
Likewise, sophomore WR Ismael Cisse may see playing time this season as he continues to learn the playbook. Coaches have noted his ability to go up in the air and get the ball.
Tight End
Junior TE Sam Roush emerged as the go-to tight end following the departure of star TE Benjamin Yurosek (grandson of the inventor of baby carrots, transferred to UGA). Fifth year TE Lukas Ungar has also returned, providing veteran experience to the tight end room. Sophomore TE Chico Holt has added some weight in the off-season. He also earned praise from fellow players and coaches for his hunger and drive.
Speaking of hunger... are you hungry for more content? Give us a follow on Twitter @channeltree! Otherwise we'll see you at Stanford Stadium on Friday at 7:30pm PT as the Cardinal avenge their 39-37 loss in the 2017 Alamo Bowl to the Horned Frogs. Go Card!
--Sam made me make a signature.