The Stanford Cardinal football recruiting class got a bit richer this week as they added a couple of new signees to their 2020 class. Head coach David Shaw and Co. added the services of three-star QB Beau Nelson and three-star OLB Matthew Merritt.
Nelson, featured in the video above, hails from Bishop Kelly High School in Idaho. He’s 6’2, 183 pounds and could sling it just as well as he could take off and run with it.
He competed in 2019’s The Opening Regionals, finishing with times of 4.92 in the 40-yard dash, 4.34 in the shuttle, 34.4 in the vertical jump as well as officially marking his height and weight above. It was announced well earlier this year that Nelson was committed, but went unofficial until Thursday.
Merritt found himself in the same position, committing back in March and having to wait until this past week to officially join the Cardinal.
Merritt is classified as a defensive end in the 247Sports rankings, playing a role of stand-up rush end or outside linebacker in his high school defense. He stands at 6’2 and weighed in at 255 and chose Stanford over Arizona. He’ll likely have to add some speed and strength in order to make any sort of impact on the Cardinal defense any time soon.
Still, their signings give Stanford an official 27 new athletes joining the university for the class of 2024. A class that is certainly worthy of its national rank.
Comments
Interesting recruiting choices
At 6’2", Nelson is not a prototypical drop back passer; hence the labeling as a "dual threat" QB. Add to that the addition of 2021 recruit Ari Patu out of Folsom, CA, another "dual threat" QB. What exactly is David Shaw thinking? Well, he has Tanner McKee coming in this fall as the QB of the future, as well as quite a few excellent wide receivers and some large offensive linemen. So no chance Shaw is abandoning the run offense or his recent tendency to actually throw the ball. My guess is that Nelson, as well as Matthew Merritt (an undersized DE at 6/2", 260 lbs), are walk ons who might project out in different positions, like Dallas Lloyd did when he converted from QB to safety. Nelson’s 40 time is 4.97, and that doesn’t compare well to other dual threat QB’s. Manziel (4.56), Mariota (4.48), Braxton Miller (4.36), Russell Wilson (4.55). But James Winston ran a 4.97, so it is possible.
As for Merritt, very doubtful he projects out on the defensive line, even with added strength and weight. 6’2" is fine for a DT, but he’d have to add a good 60 pounds. Better perhaps to go the other way, drop weight and move into a linebacker slot.
If these two are indeed walk ons, then no loss to scarce, precious scholarship spots. And perhaps they will find some spots in future rotations.
By SU74 on 04.18.20 9:36am
Y'all dont write articles on 2021 commits?
where is the Ari Patu article??
By UVAells on 04.19.20 7:58am
Labels Can Sometimes Be Deceptive
High schools run different types of programs. I doubt Shaw would bring in someone who can’t make the grade throwing the ball, even if they ran a lot in high school. Dallas Lloyd is one comp in terms of how this could play out. To some degree, Kevin Hogan is another. Hogan was a three star who was viewed as a "pro style" QB but also possessing a bit of a dual threat. Certainly in his career at Stanford, Hogan saved many a game with his legs.
But all eyes are on Tanner McKee, and I hope Shaw can accelerate his development after time off on his LDS mission.
By hoyaparanoia on 04.19.20 9:50am