Life without Luck:
— Antonio Gonzalez (@agonzalezAP) August 6, 2012#Stanford is not making any QBs available to media for at least the first week of practices, which are also not open.
Quarterback: Brett Nottingham vs. Josh Nunes
You may or may not have heard, but Stanford has an opening at quarterback. So who’s going to replace Andrew Luck, the No. 1 overall pick in April’s NFL draft? Don’t ask coach David Shaw, because he’s not going to tell you. Shaw has been playing coy when asked about the Stanford’s QB situation. Don’t expect any information from Nunes and Nottingham either: Shaw has made them off-limits to the media. Nottingham was Luck’s backup last season and has slightly more experience, so the early edge goes to him. However, Nunes has been in the Stanford system for three years and had a solid spring, so don’t be shocked if Shaw calls his number.
Wide receiver: Ty Montgomery vs. Drew Terrell
Stanford’s three leading receivers from last season – which included tight end Coby Fleener – are now gone, so someone new is going to have to step up. The favorites to win the No. 1 wide receiver spot are Montgomery and Terrell. Montgomery, a true freshman last season, is the team’s leading returning receiver, but he won’t just be given the starting spot. Terrell, a senior who will be itching to get on the field, will push Montgomery. Shaw will also have a third option in Kelsey Young. Young, who was recruited as a running back, spent time during the spring playing wide receiver. With Stepfan Taylor starting at RB, there won’t be much playing time for Young at that position, so the move to wide receiver makes sense.
Punter: Daniel Zychlinski vs. Ben Rhyne
With Luck under center last season, senior punter David Green didn’t get much work in. He only punted 34 times, which amounts to just 2.6 punts per game. With Luck now gone, whoever wins Stanford’s starting punting job figures to get a little bit more work this year. Shaw appears to be favoring Zychlinski right now, as he recently told Rivals.com. “Daniel Zychlinski is one of the most talented punters you’ll find. His challenge has always been to find consistency." Even if Zychlinski wins the punting job, Rhyne could still see the field as a kickoff specialist.
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