Stanford’s Solomon Thomas has no doubts about the defense
In the modern era, Stanford’s football captains have been limited to fourth- and fifth-year seniors such as newly elected Dallas Lloyd, Michael Rector and Johnny Caspers.
The 6-foot-3, 273-pound defensive end from suburban Dallas had 39 tackles last season, including 101/2 for losses.
The No. 8 Cardinal are without three of their top four tacklers from last season, including the Pac-12’s leading tackler, inside linebacker Blake Martinez.
Thomas believes the new defensive unit is fully capable of filling those holes.
McCaffrey, for one, is already sold on the defense.
When Stanford opens the season Friday night at home against Kansas State, it will unveil a practically new defensive line except for Thomas.
Harrison Phillips, the very promising nose tackle who suffered a season-ending knee injury in last year’s opening loss to Northwestern, is back.
The other starter is redshirt freshman end Dylan Jackson.
The defense was at its best down the stretch of the 2015 season, culminating in the 45-16 shutdown of Iowa in the Rose Bowl.
Diron Reynolds, who took over the D-line after Randy Hart retired from his 46-year coaching career, loves Thomas’ energy and smarts.