Harrison Phillips and Solomon Thomas are packing on weight like steers. Both of Stanford's young defensive linemen report that they're tipping the scales at more than 270 pounds now. Since the Cardinal figure to rely heavily on these two to reload a defensive line that's lost all three 2014 starters, this may just be the most significant development of spring ball on the Farm.

Phillips credits his mom's home cooking over the recent spring break for his push past 270. When I spoke with Thomas on Tuesday, he didn't specify any nutritional details, but he did note his weight upon arrival at Stanford less than a year ago: 244 pounds. Thomas says he checks in at around 275 pounds now. Quick arithmetic says that's a 31-pound expansion, and it's come in functional form.

"I picked up good weight, not bad weight," Thomas specified. "I'm able to move the same as before."

Official weights on Stanford's roster have yet to be updated, but if Phillips' and Thomas' self-reported gains are remotely close to accurate (in person, both players do look considerably stronger than before), the Cardinal have reason for optimism at the tail end of an otherwise dreary spring for the defensive line. Injury issues limited that unit to only three healthy bodies about a month ago (turf toe caused Thomas himself to miss time), and the survivors labored through a taxing 80 snaps per practice as a result.

So, with their defensive line simultaneously healing and strengthening, Stanford is happy that the light at the end of the tunnel is growing brighter. It's almost time to admire the fruits of that extra spring labor.

"My strike is better, I have better grip strength, and my knowledge of the game has gone up," Thomas said. "I've used practice to develop more violent hands and fluid motions."

Other youngsters have grabbed the attention of their teammates and coaches this spring. David Shaw praised receiver Dontonio Jordan Tuesday, while linebacker Joey Alfieri, defensive lineman Jordan Watkins, and right tackle Casey Tucker earned positive mention here.

Fans will have a chance to see all of those players in action at Stanford's spring game this Saturday, which will follow the same offense-versus-defense format as prior installments. The defense controlled last year's proceedings, but Shaw said he expects a healthy back-and-forth this time around.

Saturday's highlight draw may just be Christian McCaffrey, another underclassmen who has fit the bulking theme of Stanford's offseason: The running back reports he has packed on about seven pounds of muscle.

Following the spring game, Stanford will jump into a heavy conditioning phase with sports performance director Shannon Turley. Shaw will jet off to Chicago toward the end of the month to join the NFL Network's draft coverage for the fourth straight year. He will be the only college coach on during primetime of the first round. That's certainly welcome exposure for the Cardinal program.