Harbaugh built the foundation at Stanford. He recruited Andrew Luck. He hired David Shaw. In 4 years he took them from 1-11 to 12-1. The turning point was Harbaugh.
You seem to be arguing Harbaugh built it and Shaw finished it? Yet Shaw has never had as good of a season as Harbaugh’s last (12-1 Orange Bowl). He HAS had sustained success — thanks largely to what Harbaugh built. Shaw’s the one who needs to prove he can build something.
You can knock Harbaugh for not staying anywhere for a long time, but that’s a different argument.
As for the OL numbers – it’s the same thing i’ve been saying every year. We need to take more and I agree with you that they didn’t take enough in 2015 and 16. BUT – if they take 6 or 7 in this class, AND if the young guys look like they will pan out – I don’t agree they have to take 7 again next year. IF the attrition rate you mention happens, then I will agree with you. Lose 3 guys and they should bump up the 2018 OL class from 4 to 7. 4 is the smallest I’d go and I would expect to land at 5 for now.
You have 7 guys on the current roster who could be back in 2018 + 7 2017 recrutis +7 2018 recruits, you are at 21 OL. That’s going to put you seriously behind at other positions. A lot of people think you need around 15-16. I think it should be closer to 18-20, but going over 20 is not optimal. You go there only if you are having serious problems. OL is important but you can’t devote a quarter of your scholarships too it without shooting yourself in the foot. If things get that bad you probably have to look at replacing Drevno with somebody who can produce players more effectively and efficiently.
