Stanford Football: 5 incoming freshmen who could start in 2018

PALO ALTO, CA - SEPTEMBER 30: Head coach David Shaw of the Stanford Cardinal runs out on to the field with his team before their game against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Stanford Stadium on September 30, 2017 in Palo Alto, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

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It’s not the flashiest position on the field, but the fullback is important for some programs, including Stanford. The Cardinal are one of a handful of college football teams that still values the fullback and they landed the nation’s No. 1 prospect at the position in the 2018 class.

Jay Symonds Jr. is a 6-foot-4, 257-pound brick house of a fullback who inflicts pain on opposing defenders. He clears space well and unsuspecting defenders usually pay the price.

The three-star recruit can play some defensive lineman as well as tight end, showing his versatility, but the Cardinal will likely utilize him as a fullback. He’s more athletic than most pure fullbacks, which means he could be used as a target in passing situations as well. You do not want to see this Melrose, Mass., fullback running at you full steam.

With Daniel Marx graduating, there’s a decent chance Symonds Jr. could be in a position to contend for a starting spot in the backfield in 2018.

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