When a defense is dissected for the purpose of evaluation, it is typically divided into three parts: defensive line, linebackers, and defensive backs. But with Stanford's new 3-4 scheme and the hybrid linebacker positions that come along with it, I simply couldn't separate the line from the linebackers, so I've lumped them all together as the front seven.
Sure, Sione Fua, Brian Bulke, and Matthew Masifilo are defensive linemen through and through, but the flexibility of the 3-4 allowed for outside linebackers Chase Thomas and Thomas Keiser either to drop into coverage as true linebackers or to put a hand in the dirt as down linemen. Inside linebackers Shayne Skov (much more on him later) and Owen Marecic rounded out the starting front seven, and both of them were just as versatile.
Rush YPG | Sacks | Points/Game | |
2006 | 210.5 | 14 | 31.4 |
2007 | 169.3 | 37 | 28.2 |
2008 | 152.9 | 34 | 27.4 |
2009 | 137.9 | 21 | 26.5 |
2010 | 125.4 | 28 | 17.8 |
The bottom line in that chart is what really tells the story of the 2010 Stanford Cardinal. Fangio's 3-4 scheme has given the unit levels of aggressiveness and unpredictability that we've never seen from a Stanford defense. In passing situations, two or even three linebackers would show blitz, often causing the opposing quarterback to check out of his play and into something different. At the snap of the ball as many as six or as few as two defenders would rush the quarterback, often from unexpected angles. Linebacker Chase Thomas was the statistical leader with 7.5 sacks, 63 tackles, and 11.5 tackles for loss, but Thomas Keiser on the opposite side was equally effective.
As the season wore on, inside linebacker Shayne Skov gradually emerged as the heart and soul of the defense. The sophomore from the east coast by way of Guadalajara, Mexico, is probably the most talented player on the defense, and he impacts every game with his non-stop motor and aggressive style of play. He led the team with 72 total tackles despite missing two games with injury.
On the one hand Skov benefits tremendously from Fangio's 3-4 scheme, but on the other he reminds us of the true reason why Stanford's defense has improved: Harbaugh and company are recruiting more talented players. Three- and four-star recruits tend to make defensive coaches look better, and recruits like Keiser, Thomas, and Skov, as well as several in the defensive backfield, have made a huge difference this year, and I expect the improvement to continue next year.
Looking at the front seven, linemen Brian Bulke and Sione Fua will play their final game in the Orange Bowl, as will inside linebacker Owen Marecic. Defensive end Matthew Masifilo and linebackers Chase Thomas, Thomas Keiser, and Shayne Skov will return, forming a strong nucleus. Blake Leuders, a highly-touted recruit who played in ten games as a freshman will likely compete for that open inside linebacker spot, and the two slots on the defensive line could be filled by people like Terrence Stephens, Trent Murphy, or Josh Mauro, all three-star recruits who've seen some action this year.
As for the 2011 recruits, we'll have much more on them once things become official, but there is serious talent on the way. Four-star defensive end Charlie Hopkins probably won't contribute for at least another year, but outside linebacker James Vaughters and newly-admitted inside linebacker Anthony Sarao, ranked fifth and seventh nationally at their respective positions, will likely contribute as freshmen. Vaughters could even challenge for a starting position if he can adapt to the inside. Regardless, the future looks bright.
- 2010 Performance: B
- 2011 Outlook: B+