Stanford Football: 4 Uncommitted Recruits the Cardinal Desperately Need

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The USC Trojans have been making headlines recently with verbal commitments from some of the top recruits in the 2013 recruiting class, and if Stanford wants to compete with their Pac-12 rival, they’ll have to act now.

Stanford already has a solid start with 4-star recruits like quarterback Ryan Burns, wide receiver Francis Owusu and linebacker Peter Kalambayi. Now, the Cardinal should look to expand and fill crucial holes like receiver and defensive end. With that in mind, let’s take a look at which uncommitted recruits the Cardinal should try to land now.

Devon Allen, WR

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With Ryan Burns, the Cardinal already has a top-quality quarterback committed for the 2013 season, and now Stanford should look to add players for him to throw to.

Starting that list should be Devon Allen. The 4-star recruit from Arizona stands 6-feet, 5-inches, giving him the perfect foundation for a receiver. Not only does he have great size, but his speed is what really sets him apart. In fact, Allen is the state record holder in the 110 and 300-meter hurdles. Now, replace hurdles with safeties and corner backs, and you get a great receiver. 

Adam Taylor, RB

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The Cardinal’s head coach, David Shaw, has built an extremely explosive offense since starting at Stanford, specifically with his running-oriented schemes. So, the Cardinal should try to build more depth at the running back position by adding 4-star recruit Adam Taylor to their 2013 roster.

In 2010, Taylor had more than 1,500 yards with six touchdowns, and had 20 carries with 106 yards in the first game of the 2011 season before a knee injury cost him the rest of the season.

Bottom line: Taylor looks to be healthy this season, and his phenomenal potential makes him a great get for the Cardinal’s offense.

Austin Hooper, DE/TE

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Once again, De La Salle has produced another potential star football player with Austin Hooper. A switch-hitter, Hooper has experience at both tight end and defensive end, which makes him a versatile choice for the Cardinal.

At 6-foot-4 inches and 247 pounds, this 3-star recruit is the ideal size for an end. He’s big enough to block, but not too big to where it affects his speed. In fact, his quickness off the ball is one of his strengths. Tough, fast and smart, Hooper is a perfect fit for Stanford.

Isaac Savaiinaea, MLB

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Despite his verbal commitment a few weeks ago, Isaac Savalinaea is still on the fence about Stanford. The 4-star recruit from Punahou School is one of the nation’s top middle linebackers--a position that Stanford needs to reload--but is trying to hedge his bets by creating backup plans with other schools in case he doesn’t get into Stanford.

However, Stanford should be doing everything possible to make sure he gets a spot in that 2013 recruiting class. Savalinaea is a textbook inside MLB with great size and endurance and incredible tackling ability. Stanford will have some big defensive holes to fill in the 2013 season, so adding a big name recruit like Savalinaea to their roster would be a great boost for the Cardinal.