Notes: Position switches, Andersons status, more

Stanford defensive coordinator Lance Anderson shot down rumors that he was considering leaving The Farm to become Michigan's defensive coordinator on Wednesday.

"I'm not leaving Stanford for another coordinator position," Anderson said. "I'm very happy here. (I) love this."

Michigan also made a run at Anderson last offseason.

Given Anderson's abilities as a coach and recruiter, it's logical that he would be a coveted target of major programs. Anderson is also on BYU's list to replace Bronco Mendenhall, though those conversations are in the early stages and a few other candidates have reportedly emerged as frontrunners.

In the meantime, Anderson and the Cardinal have returned to the practice fields to begin their Rose Bowl preparation. The bowl practice period typically benefits a program's younger players, who get back to working in Stanford's scheme rather than emulating that of the opposition on the scout team.

It could also pay dividends for redshirt sophomore Eric Cotton, who has moved from tight end to the defensive line.

"It kind of happened during the season," Anderson said. "We're a little thin on the d-line so they were trying to find somebody scout team wise to give them a good look. So he went over there and started doing some scout team d-line. I think he kind of took a liking to it and thought about maybe doing this. I think he approached Coach Shaw initially and asked about in the future. I thought, 'OK, it may be a possibility.' But I think he approached Coach Shaw again about doing it now."

While Cotton is still in the development phase at defensive line, he has shown signs of ability at his new position.

"For the future that will be great to have him there because he's already shown a lot of promise," Anderson said. "He has some athleticism, he has some pop, he can move. So he's just learning the position right now. I wish he was a little farther along but these reps he's getting now in these bowl practices are really going to help."

In the bigger picture, Cotton's position switch - along with Luke Kaumatule redshirting this year - could provide an infusion of depth and ability to the Cardinal defensive front in 2016.

"I feel much better than what it possibly could be, knowing that we have Solomon Thomas coming back, that we'll get Harrison Phillips back from his injury," Anderson said. "We have Luke and Eric that will benefit from all these bowl practices. Luke has been benefiting from all the practices he's had all season long. And then we get a good spring with those guys. I feel much better the d-line situation (compared) to what it could be."

Injury updates

Stanford expects to be relatively healthy when they face Iowa in the Rose Bowl. Harrison Phillips and Daniel Marx will miss the game, but Stanford's other key contributors are expected to play. Still, the Cardinal is taking it easy on Blake Martinez and Ronnie Harris as both continue to recover from injuries suffered late in the year.

"If we had to play right now I think both (Ronnie Harris) and Blake Martinez would play," Stanford coach David Shaw said. "We're allowing those guys to heal. They'll be full go for the Rose Bowl. We're just continuing their rehab. They'll be 100 percent."

Kings of California

While winning the conference is atop Stanford's goal list on an annual basis going undefeated against fellow Pac-12 programs is also a yearly emphasis. The Cardinal did just that this year, recording a 4-0 record against USC, UCLA and Cal.

Like it has in previous seasons, the in-state success prompted several Cardinal players to note they were the Kings of Cali on Twitter.

"It's huge," Shaw said. "That was started by, gosh, I want to say the guys that were in Tavita's class, just really looking at California. They came up with that phrase that they wanted to be the kings of California. And it was hard - it's hard to beat those three schools. And we haven't been able to accomplish it every year but every year it's a goal. It's a goal to hold our home turf. It's really not just recruiting - it's really, the schools in our state, it's a battle. They're all rivals. To be able to accomplish it, and even add USC in there twice in the Pac-12 Championship game. To go 4-0 in the state is really big."

Quick hitters with Keller Chryst

Better Play: Pancaking an Arizona defender or throwing a touchdown against the Wildcats?

"Definitely throwing a touchdown," Chryst said. "The pancake was fun but I think the best part about (the touchdown pass) was getting a fifth year senior Rollins Stallworth, he's worked so hard from day one here... his first touchdown, my first touchdown. So it was pretty neat."

Chryst is frequently spotted get extra work in after practice with freshman receiver Trent Irwin.

"He's a great kid and he just loves ball," Chryst said. "If you want him to run a go route 500 times after practice he'll run a go route for you and he'll do anything to get better. He helps me out and I help him out, so it's a good mutual connection."

Chryst on his biggest area of improvement since arriving on campus...

"I think Coach Pritchard has helped me a lot with my base and... his coaching methods (emphasize) staying loaded as we go from first progression to second progression and just being able to throw the ball at any time regardless of where our feet are and being able to take off with our feet when need be," Chryst said.