April 23, 2005
First-year head coach Walt Harris concluded his first spring on the job today as he put his team through a "controlled scrimmage" at Stanford Stadium, ending the 15-practice spring season that began on April 1.
Harris had his team on the field for almost two hours. Following the scrimmage, Cardinal players took part in a series of kids clinics and were available for autographs and photographs.
"It was a good event," said Harris. "We did some things really well today and we came out healthy - and that's what's most important. We're looking forward to post-spring workouts and some summer work."
The Cardinal offense scored 11 touchdowns, six coming through the air, four on the ground and one on a fumble recovery. Mark Bradford caught two TD passes with Gerren Crochet, Evan Moore, Marcus McCutcheon, Justin McCullum each catching one.
On the ground, touchdowns were scored by J.R. Lemon, David Marrero, Anthony Kimble and Crochet. Fullback Nick Frank recovered a fumble in the end zone for another score.
"Our entire offense is based on the guys up front," said Harris. "We need to be able to run the ball to be successful, and it was nice to see a couple of big runs today."
The biggest run by the offense from Crochet, a fifth-year senior from Boulder, Colorado. He took a handoff on a reverse early in the scrimmage and raced 62 yards to the end zone for the first touchdown of the day. Later, Crochet caught an 18-yard touchdown pass from senior quarterback Trent Edwards.
At the quarterback position, Edwards and junior T.C. Ostrander took most of the snaps. Edwards completed 15-of-17 for 231 yards and four TDs while Ostrander completed 13-of-19 for 174 yards, two touchdowns and one interception.
"Both Trent and T.C. are very skilled players, and it showed today," said Harris. "They both have a lot of work to do, but I'm enthused and excited by their play. They're both good football players and they need to become great executors of our offense. Both of them are young and have talent, but have great deal to learn. They need to continue to work hard throughout the summer and continue to develop," he said.
Bradford led all receivers with eight catches for 136 yards and two touchdowns. McCullum had four catches for 82 yards and a TD, Moore had three receptions for 59 yards and touchdown and McCutcheon caught three balls for 55 yards and a TD.
On the ground, Lemon had 34 yards and scored a TD on six carries, Marrero carried the ball eight times for 26 yards and a score, Anthony Kimble carried seven times for 32 yards and TD and Jason Evans gained 22 yards on nine carries.
Nick Frank, a converted nose tackle who is now playing fullback, gained 28 yards on four carries. He also jumped on a Kimble fumble in the end zone to record the touchdown.
The Cardinal will now work out on their own until August, when Harris opens fall camp in preparation for Stanford's September 10 opener at Navy.
"Navy will be a challenge on the road," said Harris. "Not only because they're an option football team, but they did win 10 games last year and are obviously talented. We're focused on getting prepared and we're looking forward to it."
Following the scrimmage, Harris announced the winners of three "Most Improved" awards. Most Improved offensive players were Crochet and Frank while nose tackle Casey Carroll and linebacker Michael Okwo were honored on defense. The "Unsung Player" award went to sophomore linebacker Brandon Willetts.
"These awards are not for the best players, but those who showed the greatest improvement from where they were before spring, to where they are now," Harris said. "It's a way for the team to tell them we appreciate their effort."