2008 OUTLOOK: Stanford lists 20 returning starters -- nine on offense, and virtually everybody on defense has at least a few games of experience. That just adds more positive feedback for a program that won four games in 2007. There is some question whether quarterback Tavita Pritchard can guide the Cardinal for an entire season and if Anthony Kimble can establish enough of a rushing attack, but the defense should be solid if not spectacular against a schedule that has San Jose State, TCU and Notre Dame on the non-league schedule.

SCOUTING THE OFFENSE
Everything is going to start and stop with Tavita Pritchard. He will be given the chance to succeed, but if he falters don't be surprised to see Stanford coach Jim Harbaugh insert Jason Forcier into the mix. Richard Sherman is a key target for whoever takes over the quarterback role after finishing with 73 catches and seven touchdowns in '07. Four offensive line starters back gives the unit much needed experience.

SCOUTING THE DEFENSE
The Cardinal have 12 players with at least four games of starting experience, including a strong linebacking unit headed by Clinton Snyder and Pat Maynor. Safety Bo McNally is the catalyst of the unit and is a playmaker, as evidenced by his outstanding spring -- he was continually around the ball and will lead a unit that has its top three safeties back. Defensive end Pannel Egboh is considered one of the premier linemen in the league after making 13.5 tackles for loss a year ago.

SCOUTING THE SPECIAL TEAMS
Stanford placekicker Aaron Zagory is getting a second chance after struggling as the club's starter in 2006. He showed better accuracy in the spring in an attempt to regain the starting job but needs to do better than the 8-for-13 he connected two years ago. David Green is the only punter on the roster. The Cardinal has all its top kick returners coming back, with Doug Baldwin averaging 24 yards per kick attempt.

ROSTER REPORT

--Offensive tackle Allen Smith and tight end Jim Dray are both uncertain for the start of the 2008 season because of knee injuries. They were not part of spring drills. Dray started six games a year ago.

--Tailback Toby Gerhart did not participate in spring drills because of his play with the Stanford baseball team. Gerhart will be getting carries in the fall as part of the rotation with Anthony Kimble and Tyrone McGraw.

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