Position Group Preview: Defense

The D needs to take a step forward

By David Ta | 8-27-2024 03:20 PM PT

Photo by Stanford Athletics


It's GAME WEEK which means we have a whole 'nother side of the ball to analyze. Today I'll walk through the defense, going over the big names and giving my thoughts. As famed media mogul Kevin Wildes coined in 2023, "Defense Wins Championships." Let's hope ours can help us win 6 games this year.

Cornerbacks

We'll start with the cornerbacks. This unit struggled with physicality last season and hopes to improve upon that, brushing up on the fundamentals and adding a ferocity that we didn't see in 2023.

Junior CB Collin Wright has emerged as one of the best players on the team. He should continue to shine as a starter. He has the potential to become a Day 2 pick in the NFL Draft. Still, he could work on improving press coverage and turning his head around to make a play.

Graduate CB Zahran Manley returned last season after sitting the previous year out and hopes to contribute after shaking off the rust. He has increased his weight from 180 pounds to 190 pounds and has improved his backpedaling and press technique, both of which should level up his performance.

Transfer CB Jay Green appears to be the starting slot corner. Despite struggling as a cornerback last season, the former Washington Husky has shined in training camp so far. The newcomer is a tall and athletic player who has picked up the scheme quickly.

Safeties

Junior FS Scotty Edwards has been recovering from an injury but appears to be fully healthy for the season. The second year starter has been working on his tackling, getting off blocks, coverage, communication, and learning the schemes of being a better communicator and field manager.

Senior SS Mitch Leigber is working to become smarter, faster, and physical in defensive coordinator Bobby April III’s scheme.

Inside Linebackers

Graduate Student ILB Tristan Sinclair—the heart and soul of the defense—looks to continue his role leading the D (and the team). However, he struggled with tackling, coverage, and run defense last year despite a spirited performance in the 2023 Big Game. Cardinal Nation should hope to see him improve in these areas (and inspire others to do the same) if we want the team to be bowl eligible by season's end.

Senior ILB Gaethan Bernadel also continues to be a leader of the defense. While limited physically, he plays with energy and enthusiasm and was named to the Senior Bowl Watch List earlier this month.

Junior ILB Matt Rose has taken a real step forward and could see some playing time. In addition to adding 15 pounds, the former two star prospect has become faster earning praise from coaches.

Sophomore ILB Tre Williams has transitioned from outside linebacker to insider linebacker due to his size and skillset. 

Redshirt Sophomore Jahsiah Galvan has been working to acclimate to his new environment after thriving at his previous team, Northern Iowa in the FCS.

Outside Linebackers

Junior OLB David Bailey looks to continue playing a role on the defense. The highly-touted recruit has shown flashes of dominance but needs to play more consistently.

Emerging contributors junior OLB Tevarua Tafiti and junior OLB RJ Cooper have drawn attention with high effort and motor during camp.

Defensive Line

Graduate Student Tobin Philips returns for another year. While the Fresno native struggled in run defense, he has shined in pass rush.

Post-Bac DL Clay Patterson brings a physical veteran experience up front, and an ability to make plays in the backfield. 

Sophomore DL Braden Marceau-Olayinka is an up-and-coming player who is posed for more playing time.

In addition, senior DL Trevor Mayberry has transitioned from offensive line to defensive line.

And we are transitioning to the end of the article! Gear up for Stanford's opener this Friday at home, 7:30pm PT against TCU and (hopefully) some more articles this week! Go Card!

--Sam made me make a signature.

TAGS: Husky Jahsiah Galvan Clay Patterson DL Trevor Mayberry Post-Bac DL Gaethan Bernadel NFL Matt Rose Tre Williams Braden Marceau-Olayinka Bobby April III Zahran Manley David Bailey Tobin Philips Defensive Line Graduate CB Zahran Manley Junior FS Scotty Edwards Redshirt Sophomore Post-Bac DL Clay Patterson Wright
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