STANFORD, Calif. – It's no surprise that true freshmen are getting to contribute for the Stanford football team. Last year, the NCAA adopted a new redshirt rule that allows them to play in four games without losing a year of eligibility.
Typically, freshmen are spoon fed and sprinkled into the lineup. Due to injuries, the process has been ramped up. At UCF last Saturday, 13 played in the game.
"It's very exciting," said frosh running back Austin Jones from Antioch, Calif., who scored his first collegiate touchdown on a 35-yard run. "The fact that we can go in there and make plays and have fun, that's what I want everyone on this team to do."
Walter Rouse, a top offensive line recruit from Silver Spring, Maryland, figured he would receive playing time this season, but not this quickly. When starting left tackle Walker Little was lost for the season late in the game against Northwestern, Rouse got the call and has started the last two games.
"I was the next man up and you have to take it head on," he said.
Rouse's first start came at USC under the lights on national television.
"I've just been taking it day by day," said Rouse. "My teammates and coach (Kevin) Carberry have been helping me along and each day I'm trying to learn and get better. I'm getting more comfortable being out there and I'm starting to play more instead of just thinking."
. @wrouse19 was ready when his number was called.#GoStanford pic.twitter.com/UXz552gEfn
— Stanford Football (@StanfordFball) September 18, 2019
Jonathan McGill, a safety from Coppell, Texas, made a big play last week, scooping up a fumble and returning it 28 yards for his first collegiate touchdown.
"It was just a freaky accident," he said. "I was really supposed to be closer to the line of scrimmage. Right before the quarterback snapped the ball, I came into the box and the ball started bouncing. I just sprinted to it and the ball tipped my way, so I picked it up and ran to the end zone. That was a pretty fun moment and I wish it would have come sooner."
McGill attended the same high school (Coppell) as former Cardinal standout Solomon Thomas, now with the San Francisco 49ers. As a group, McGill said the freshmen are embracing their early playing time.
"Coming in this summer, we had a group chat and were talking about potentially playing with the redshirt rule, so we knew we were probably seeing the field once or twice," said McGill. "Injuries happen and it's the next up mentality.
"The upperclassmen did a really great job of introducing us to the system and we had player-led meetings that helped us grasp the system. They really helped us out and gave us the confidence to get on the field."
The first time McGill stepped on campus and met his future teammates, he felt something special.
"The vets took us under their wing and set the standard," he said. "We really came in just wanting to learn. I think what really separates Stanford from a lot of schools is that the upperclassmen don't distance themselves from the younger guys. They've done a great job helping us out."
The freshman class is tight and took pride in seeing Jones score last Saturday.
"Everybody on the sideline was going crazy," McGill said. "But it meant a little more to us seeing one of our guys make a huge play."
Although Stanford (1-2, 0-1 Pac-12) hoped for a better start against a challenging schedule, veteran players are appreciative of what the freshmen have done and expect more good things on Saturday against No. 16 Oregon (2-1, 0-0 Pac-12).
"I've been really impressed how they have stepped up, some in pretty big roles," said junior tight end Colby Parkinson. "I think it's a testament to how hard they worked during the summer. I know the older guys wanted to bring them up to speed as fast as we could. It's cool to see."
Added junior center Drew Dalman, "The whole mentality this offseason was getting everybody ready, not just the freshmen. We know these seasons take everybody, especially on the offensive line, which is a position where sometimes people get dinged up so guys have to be ready to play. They've been awesome."
Jones has leaned on fifth-year senior Cameron Scarlett and senior Dorian Maddox for advice.
"Austin and Nate (Peat) have been like sponges trying to soak up as much as they can," Scarlett said. "We've just tried to instill some of the things Coach G (running backs coach, Ron Gould) teaches us like being physical, running with a purpose, breaking tackles, being great with our eyes and being calm in the chaos.
"I told them you're going to get your opportunity. When you do, capitalize and make the most of it."
Jones did against UCF, gaining a team-high 65 yards on seven carries. The touchdown is still a blur.
"Surreal moment," said Jones. "When I came off the field, I celebrated with my teammates, but I didn't really realize I had scored. It didn't really sink in until I walked out to kick off and I was like, 'Man, I just scored my first college touchdown.' It was like a dream come true for me."
The moment wasn't too big, thanks to mentoring from Scarlett and Maddox.
"Cam and Dorian have been a big help," he said. "They've been telling me everything I need to read on the plays and to just be yourself and play your game. Once you get on the field, be you."
In Dalman's mind, they are no longer freshmen.
"The people on the field are the guys we trust, regardless of age or experience," said Dalman. "If you're in a Stanford jersey, we've got to trust you and we will."
35 yards to the ?? for @rockwitaust's first career TD.#GoStanford pic.twitter.com/ZsyEh66m4T
— Stanford Football (@StanfordFball) September 16, 2019
Injury update: Help could be forthcoming for the Cardinal. Following Wednesday's practice, David Shaw, the Bradford M. Freeman Director of Football, said junior starting right tackle Foster Sarell is "probable," senior offensive guard Dylan Powell is "doubtful" and senior starting inside linebacker Andrew Pryts is "really close" for Saturday against the Ducks. He previously announced that freshman Branson Bragg is out indefinitely.
Tighten up: In three games, Stanford has surrendered 18 plays of 20 yards or more.
"That's not us," Shaw said. "We're built to be better than that."
The defense will be tested by Oregon, sparked by senior quarterback Justin Herbert and a host of playmakers.
"He's got pure talent," said Shaw. "He's a great college quarterback and will be a great quarterback at the next level."
Stanford must make Herbert uncomfortable and limit big plays. He has thrown for 11 touchdowns and hasn't been intercepted in his last 150 attempts, dating back to last season.
"Our job is to keep them out of the end zone," Shaw said.
Near misses: The Cardinal offense has had chances to make big plays in every game and looks to cash in Saturday.
"It is definitely frustrating," said junior wide receiver Connor Wedington. "It is also a part of the game. Practice makes perfect. At the end of the day, getting more reps before practice and after practice is what is going to make things click."
Added senior quarterback K.J. Costello, "Nobody knows what we can do on offense because we haven't done it yet."
Overtime Stunner: Parkinson caught the game-winning touchdown from Costello in overtime last year in Eugene to lift Stanford to an improbable 38-31 comeback victory against Oregon. The Cardinal trailed 24-7 at halftime and was down by 10 points with 90 seconds left in regulation.
"Not necessarily the game itself but more the atmosphere and how we felt as a team in the second half," Parkinson said, when asked what he recalled most. "The belief and no-doubt feeling that we were going to come back. It's something that we draw on a lot. The feeling of unity in the second half was second to none."
Dream realized: Costello is still smiling after meeting Tiger Woods last Saturday at the UCF game.
"It was so cool," said Costello, who competed in junior golf and is a scratch player. "I've been a fan my entire life. He was probably the first athlete that I adored. Just the way he walked around. I remember going to junior tournaments wearing the same (Sunday) red."
Set the Expectation: Saturday's theme is Sexual and Relationship Violence Awareness. Additional themes include New Student Orientation, Hall of Fame recognition and presentation of the Capital One Cup.
Extra points … Shaw described the Tuesday and Wednesday practices as "spirited" … Under Shaw, the Cardinal is 20-7 coming off a loss and 5-0 after consecutive losses … Stanford has won the last three meetings against Oregon … The Cardinal has not allowed a first quarter touchdown in five of the last six games … Parkinson leads Stanford with 17 receptions, followed by Wedington with 15 … The Cardinal has been outscored, 31-14, in the first quarter … Former Stanford head coach John Ralston, who guided the program to Rose Bowl wins in 1971 and 1972, will be recognized. He passed away last week.
Quotable
"We've got to do what we do and play our style of football." – Senior outside linebacker Jordan Fox