Stanford football stocks up on linemen, defensive backs

by Rick Eymer

You lose a few, and you win a few. Stanford may have lost out in trying to nab a top-notch running back and potential game-breaking linebacker, but the Cardinal did manage to bolster one of the team's possible strengths, and perhaps strengthened one of the team's most glaring weaknesses. While four members of the 1997 starting offensive line will return, Stanford managed to attract five high school All-Americans to its campus to either compete for those spots, or lay in wait for them.

Watch for Eric Heitmann, (6-4, 282), Greg Schindler (6-5, 300), Brad Selby (6-4, 265), Dwight Slater (6-4, 240), and Paul Weinacht (6-5, 278) coming to a line near you.

Stanford also attracted six defensive back candidates, many of whom could find a spot in the starting lineup as early as this fall.

"This group may have more depth to it," said Stanford coach Tyrone Willingham, whose overall recruiting class was ranked third-best in the Pac-10. "While the past groups have been solid, this may have quality a little deeper."

The most glaring omission is at running back, where Stanford's top choices decided to go elsewhere. Brian Allen may be listed as a running back, but he's probably headed for the secondary.

Colin Branch, who comes to Stanford as a defensive back, may have the best chance of finding a spot in the offensive backfield.

"You always search for a great running back," said Willingham, who lost four-year lettermen Anthony Bookman, Offensive Player of the Game in the East-West Shrine Classic, and Mike Mitchell. Both runners are in the top five career rushing list at Stanford. The Cardinal also lost fullbacks Jon Ritchie and Greg Comella. Juan-Carlos Lacey returns as the lone running back with game experience.

Stanford did make great strides in bolstering the defensive secondary, getting a lot of good athletes to strength the team's biggest weakness last year.

"We did make a conscious effort to get defensive backs this year," said Willingham. "At the same time, a lot is determined by availability. Certain years, certain positions are available."

Prep All-Americans such as Chijoke Asomougha, Brian Taylor and Branch--if he isn't switched to running back--lead a stellar list of candidates for the secondary.

The list also includes Gary Cobb (possibly a wide receiver), Jason White, and Tank Williams, a possible emergency quarterback, too.

Mostly, Willingham was high on defensive lineman Mark Leonard (6-4, 290) out of Palmdale, a player on everybody's top 100 prospect list and a first-team consensus All-America.

"He has the ability to be an outstanding lineman," said Willingham. "I haven't used freshmen in previous years, but I have no reluctance to use them."

With Chad Hutchinson, Todd Husak, Randy Fasani and Joe Borchard returning, Willingham said "we didn't think it was necessary to recruit a quarterback this year."

Willingham also said there was "still a possibility" that he would sign one more player.

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