Stanford Football: 5 takeaways from Cardinal in spring 2018

3 of 5

CORVALLIS, OR – OCTOBER 26: Kaden Smith #82 of the Stanford Cardinal signals first down after making a catch on fourth down against the Oregon State Beavers at Reser Stadium on October 26, 2017 in Corvallis, Oregon. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images) /

3. Tight end depth is still impressive

One thing about Stanford that has to drive opponents crazy, other than its ability to seemingly always find good, smart quarterbacks, even if some are strictly game-managers, is its constant production from the tight end position.

The Cardinal constantly run out two and three tight ends who could start on most college football teams, but prospects commit to Stanford because chances are if you play tight end there, there’s a good chance you’ll be playing on Sundays down the line. The most recent tight end to make it to the NFL is Dalton Schultz who was drafted in the fourth round by the Cowboys in the 2018 draft.

Schultz is gone, taking his 22 catches for 212 yards and three touchdowns with him, but Kaden Smith returns as a potential first-round pick in 2019. Stanford knows how to utilize its tight ends, and that was evident last year. The depth returns, though.

Smith is back after catching 23 passes for 414 yards and five touchdowns and he’ll be backed by junior Scooter Harrington and sophomore Colby Parkinson. Tucker Fisk could also figure into the rotation after redshirting in 2017.

Home/Stanford Cardinal