Stanford Football: 5 players to watch in spring game

September 12, 2015; Stanford, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal running back Bryce Love (20) scores a 93-yard touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Central Florida Knights at Stanford Stadium. The Cardinal defeated the Knights 31-7. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

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Oct 15, 2016; South Bend, IN, USA; Stanford Cardinal linebacker Sean Barton (27) grabs Notre Dame Fighting Irish tight end Nic Weishar (82) in the third quarter at Notre Dame Stadium. Stanford won 17-10. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports /

The Cardinal are losing a lot of talent from their linebacking corps. Peter Kalambayi and Kevin Palma are both gone, opening the door for a new talent to emerge. One of the potential candidates to step up and replace Palma at inside linebacker is Sean Barton.

Originally recruited in 2013, Barton served a mission with the LDS church out of high school. After his two years away he arrived in Palo Alto in 2015. He redshirted his first year and got his first playing time last season.

In a relief role as a redshirt freshman, Barton notched 30 tackles. He also had 2.0 sacks and forced a fumble in the playing time he received. The main issue in Barton’s case is size. Though he is 6-foot-3, Barton weights just 212 pounds.

Though it allows him to be faster and more mobile, the lack of bulk is a detriment in the run game. At this year’s spring game, watch to see how well Barton is able to fend off blocks and get into the backfield.

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