The Stanford University football team (3-9, 2-7 Pac-12) resumed spring practice on Wednesday with a continued emphasis on defense.
Cornerbacks coach Paul Williams coached the Wake Forest Demon Deacons for the past three seasons and is completing his first season with the Cardinal. Williams highlighted sophomores Colin Wright and Aaron Morris and fifth-year senior Zahran Manley as players who stood out early at the cornerback position.
Williams said the veteran core is complemented by a growing band of young players.
With Wright and Manley, two cornerbacks who played the most games, returning next season, Williams emphasized the importance of experience, especially on defense, for a winning team.
“You can't have a good team without experience, seniority and leadership,” Williams said. “It really starts with them.”
Sixth-year inside linebacker Tristan Sinclair is back for the season and will provide the experience and leadership Williams is looking for.
“I really believe in this program, so I wanted to come back for a sixth year,” Sinclair said. “With this new coaching staff and new energy, I think we're training the right way. I want to be part of the resurgence, too.”
The Cardinal's defensive system has changed significantly over the past year. Lance Anderson will leave Stanford in 2022 after 16 years as Willie Shaw's defensive director. Bobby April III joined the Cardinals last season to fill Anderson's vacancy after spending the previous five seasons at Wisconsin and stints with various NFL teams. .
April was a key member of Wisconsin's defensive staff, leading the Badgers to a top-five national ranking in total defense for three consecutive years. In 2022, April helped the Wisconsin defense rank in the top 15 nationally in both total defense (305.4 ypg) and rushing defense (103.2 ypg).
Sinclair, who spent his first four seasons playing under Anderson's defensive system, acknowledged there were inherent challenges in transitioning to the new system with April's addition. But after a year of adjustment, Sinclair believes the team now looks pretty familiar with April's system. He pointed out that the team has added a number of new players, allowing them to play in a wider defensive area.
“Now that we're in the second year of the system, we're taking it seriously and playing at a fast pace,” Sinclair said.
In addition to improving the team, Sinclair is personally working on improving his run fit and pass rush. He hopes to improve scraping over the top on perimeter runs and be more aggressive in headhunting running backs and guards.
Williams and Sinclair emphasized that they are ready to compete in the ACC next season. Williams knows the ACC is full of elite receivers and believes his team is well-prepared to face any challenge.
