Stanford isn't quite on Alabama's level in terms of producing Heisman caliber tailbacks every year, but they've got a solid track record of producing do-it-all workhorse backs. Toby Gerhart was replaced by Stepfan Taylor, who proceeded to set new Stanford career-highs in ground yardage and rushing touchdowns. However, David Shaw's quest for Taylor's replacement will continue into the regular season wherethe Cardinals will use a flock of running backs to wear down opposing defenses.
Via Mercury News:
"We're going to play five tailbacks just about every game," coach David Shaw said Saturday, a few hours after the Cardinal was slotted No. 4 in The Associated Press preseason poll.
Taylor, a fifth-round draft pick by the Arizona Cardinals, did more than amass a school-record 4,300 rushing yards during his career. He was outstanding in short yardage (40 rushing touchdowns), a deft pass catcher and a superb blocker.
Without him, the Cardinal plans to rotate tailbacks based on situations. Seniors Tyler Gaffney and Anthony Wilkerson are atop the depth chart, followed by an evenly matched group of three: Ricky Seale, Remound Wright and Barry Sanders.
