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Stanford Football: Projected 2-deep depth chart for 2017

By Connor Muldowney

SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 30: Quarterback Keller Chryst #10 of the Stanford Cardinal passes against the Washington Huskies on September 30, 2016 at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 30: Quarterback Keller Chryst #10 of the Stanford Cardinal passes against the Washington Huskies on September 30, 2016 at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images) /
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Stanford football coach David Shaw has high expectations for the Cardinal heading into 2017. How’s the depth chart looking?

Entering the 2017 season, Stanford football has plenty to look forward to. Not only are the Cardinal considered one of the up-and-coming teams in the conference this season, but they also have one of the top coaches in the nation.

Despite losing Christian McCaffrey, this team has plenty of returning talent. Yes, even at the running back position. It’s tough to gauge just how Stanford stacks up to the big boys of the conference — USC and Washington — but we will soon find out.

In fact, the Cardinal open the 2017 season on Saturday against Rice. They are one of the first Power Five teams in the country to play on Aug. 26 and that makes their projected depth chart that much more important. Moreover, Stanford will face off against USC on Sept. 9, making early-season continuity even more important.

Let’s take a look at the Cardinal’s 2017 depth chart projection.

Offensive Line

Starting tackles: David Bright (LT), A.T. Hall (RT)
Backups: Devery Hamilton (LT), Casey Tucker (RT)

David Bright is the most veteran player on Stanford’s offensive line and he goes from former left guard and right tackle to the left tackle spot. Consider it a promotion as Bright will get a chance to anchor the left side after helping lead the fourth-best rushing attack in the Pac-12 last season. He will be joined by junior A.T. Hall who is getting the nod on the right side. Hall has starting experience at left tackle and could very well take over there, but will start the season on the right side.

Redshirt freshman Devery Hamilton will be the primary backup while senior Casey Tucker also has starting experience, but takes a back seat. Both will get some snaps this season, though.

Starting guards: Nate Herbig (LG), Nick Wilson (RG)
Backups: Austin Maihen (LG), Brandon Fanaika (RG)

Nate Herbig played in 13 games during the 2016 season, but started just six. He took over halfway through the year and didn’t look back, cementing his job as the left guard for 2017. He will be joined by fellow sophomore Nick Wilson who appeared in all 13 games as well during the 2016 campaign. These two have plenty of experience despite being underclassmen.

Playing the understudy roles will be sophomore Austin Maihen and junior Brandon Fanaika. Maihen appeared in nine games during the 2016 season while Fanaika made a handful of starts at left guard. He could find himself starting by the end of the year.

Starting center: Jesse Burkett
Backup: Brian Chaffin

Back as a starter, along with three others on the line, is junior center Jesse Burkett. He finished his sophomore season off strong, being named to the AP All-Bowl team as an honorable mention selection. He will be backed up by rising sophomore Brian Chaffin.

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