Stanford Football: Predicting the Offensive Depth Chart for 2011 Season Opener

For Stanford football fans September 3rd cannot come quickly enough.  The first weekend in September marks the official return of college football in America and fans around the country are hoping that 2011 can be the year for their team.

Stanford had a great season in 2011 and will return several starters on each side of the ball.  The Cardinal are lucky enough to have their quarterback Andrew Luck back who is a a preseason front runner for the Heisman Trophy.

Unfortunately Stanford has several new coaches now that former head coach Jim Harbaugh is coaching the San Fransisco 49ers.  There is no doubt that the Stanford coaching staff with have their team ready for San Jose State on September 3rd but there will be some new faces on the field.

Here is Stanford's projected offensive depth chart for their season opener against San Jose State.

Quarterback: Andrew Luck

This one goes without saying.  Andrew Luck is far and away Stanford's best player.  He likely would have been the first overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft had he decided to go pro. 

Luckily for Cardinal fans he is back for his junior season.  Andrew Luck is arguably the best quarterback in college football and he will be a big reason for Stanford’s success in 2011.

Backups: Josh Nunes, Robbie Picazo

Running Back: Stepfan Taylor

After the graduation of former star Toby Gerhart someone needed to step up and fill the void at running back.  That player was Stepfan Taylor.

As a true sophomore last season Taylor rushed for 1,137 yards and 15 touchdowns.  This season Stanford fans hope that he can improve on those numbers as teams pay even more attention to Andrew Luck and the passing game.  The Cardinal would like someone to separate themselves as the second string guy but currently Stanford will use several backs to give Taylor rest.

Backups: Tyler Gaffney, Anthony Wilkeron, Jeremy Stewart

Fullback: Ryan Hewitt

Former Stanford standout Owen Maricic may be one of the most difficult players to replace in the entire country.  He was an absolute beast at fullback in addition to starting at linebacker on defense.

In 2011 Ryan Hewitt will likely be his main replacement but nothing is set in stone.  Hewitt is a big strong guy who could be a very good blocker for Stepfan Taylor.  If Hewitt can learn to stay low and use his leverage he could be the starting fullback at Stanford for the next three seasons.

Backup: Geoff Meinken

Wide Receiver: Chris Owusu

In 2010 Chris Owusu was known as one of the most dangerous kick returners in college football.  This season he will hope to put similar fear in the minds of Pac-12 defensive backs.

Owusu is a straight burner and can beat almost anyone in a sprint.  Cardinal fans are hoping that another season of working with Andrew Luck will eliminate some of the drops that have been characteristic of him in the past.

However the season plays out, opposing defenses will need to keep an eye on Mr. Owusu any time he's on the field.

Backups: Jamal-Rashad Patterson, Darren Daniel

Wide Receiver: Griff Whalen

Although he may not be quite as well known as his older brother Ryan, Griff Whalen is one heck of a football player.  Simply put he is the kind of guy that coaches want on their team.

In 2011 Whalen will have to step up into the starting role but should have no problem doing so.  Whalen has soft hands and is a good route runner who should be a reliable target for Andrew Luck.

Backup: Drew Terrell

Tight End: Cody Fleener

One of the major reasons Andrew Luck is in the running for the 2011 Heisman Trophy is his reliable tight end Coby Fleener.  As a junior last season Fleener had a breakout year and was used tremendously well in Jim Harbaugh's west coast offense.

This season Fleener expects to get a lot of passes thrown his way early with two new starting receivers.  If he can have another great season this year there is no reason why Fleener can't be one of the first tight ends taken in the 2012 NFL Draft.

Backups: Zach Ertz, Davis Dudchock

Left Tackle: Jonathan Martin

Although Stanford lost three starting offensive linemen from a season ago Andrew Luck is very happy he still has his left tackle.  Jonathan Martin has done a great job protecting Luck's backside and was a big reason for his success in 2010.

Martin has very quick feet which make him a great tackle and also help him fire off the line on run plays.  This year Martin will need to take on a bigger leadership role on the offensive line but with his experience that shouldn't be an issue.  

Backup: Tyler Mabry

Left Guard: Kevin Danser

Currently Stanford has Kevin Danser penciled in as the team's starting left guard for the season but that could change come their first game.  Danser will have to hold off fellow sophomore Khalil Wilkes who will be pushing for the job this summer.

Whoever ends up starting at left guard for the Cardinal will need to keep up the physical style of play that has made Stanford a recent success.  The Cardinal have plenty of big bodies on their line but they will need to mesh together for them to return to a BCS bowl game.

Backup: Khalil Wilkes

Center: Sam Schwartzstein

If Standford's game against San Jose State were tomorrow Sam Schwartzstein would be the team's starting center.  He will likely be there come September 3rd but nothing is certain.

His backup is also Kevin Danser's backup at guard, Khalil Wilkes, who is doing his best to impress coaches enough to get him on the field.  But Schwartzstein is more of a true center and should have a solid season for Stanford.

Backup: Khalil Wilkes

Right Guard: David DeCastro

In 2011 expect Stepfan Taylor to have a lot of big runs to the right side thanks to guard David DeCastro.  As he enters his third season as a starter at Stanford DeCastro will be leaned on heavily in the Cardinal's rush attack.

At 6'5" 307 pound DeCastro is the biggest lineman on of the Stanford starters.  Unfortunately for Pac-12 defensive linemen DeCastro has a unique blend of size and quickness which makes him deadly when pulling as the lead blocker.

Backup: Cole Underwood

Right Tackle: Tyler Mabry

Stanford tackle Tyler Mabry has been waiting a long time to become a starter for the Cardinal, and he will finally get his chance in 2011. The senior is the oldest member of the Stanford offensive line, but he does slightly lack experience.

Mabry has been one of the first linemen off the bench for a while now, but he will have to get used to starting on a weekly basis. With mostly young guys behind him, Mabry will be counted on big-time in Stanford's pass protection.

Backups: Cameron Fleming and David Yankey