Stanford Football: Projected 2-deep depth chart for 2017

Defensive Backs

Starting cornerbacks: Alijah Holder, Quenton Meeks
Backups: Frank Buncom, Alameen Murphy

The secondary returns plenty of talent and just about every projected starter could make an All-Pac-12 team in 2017. Although the Cardinal ranked just 61st un college football against the pass in 2016, they were young and relatively inexperienced, but that will change this year.

Back is junior cornerback Quenton Meeks who looks to be another breakout candidate on defense. He finished the 2016 season with 19 total tackles, two interceptions and six pass deflections. The 6-foot-2, 195-pound corner is one of three returning starters and he’s going to be a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks.

Alijah Holder, also a junior, is another potential all-conference performer. He didn’t see much of the field in 2016, recording just 10 tackles, but that will all change this year. He’s expected to hold off junior Alameen Murphy from the starting job despite the latter having experience with the No. 1s. Sophomore Frank Buncom will get major playing time, too, after 17 tackles, one interception and five pass deflections in 2016.

Starting safeties: Justin Reid, Brandon Simmons
Backups: Denzel Franklin, Ben Edwards

Projected strong safety Justin Reid, a junior, was once a top-200 recruit in the country, but has since molded into potentially the best defensive back on the roster. He could be a first-team All-Pac-12 safety in 2017, especially if he builds on his 55 tackles, four tackles for loss and seven pass deflections from last year.

Fellow junior Brandon Simmons was also a highly-touted recruit in the Cardinal’s 2015 recruiting class. He was named an Army All-American at the prep level, but is getting his first starting shot this season. He had 15 total tackles last season, but you can expect a major uptick in production. Juniors Denzel Franklin and Ben Edwards will play the understudy roles.