Focus on Keller Chryst as Stanford camp opens

Stanford head coach David Shaw speaks at the Pac-12 NCAA college football media day, Thursday, July 27, 2017, in the Hollywood section of Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) Stanford head coach David Shaw speaks at the Pac-12 NCAA college football media day, Thursday, July 27, 2017, in the Hollywood section of Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) Photo: Mark J. Terrill, Associated Press Photo: Mark J. Terrill, Associated Press Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close Focus on Keller Chryst as Stanford camp opens 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

Even though the Christian McCaffrey Era is over and defending champion Washington and USC look like the class of the Pac-12, Stanford should again be in the hunt for a conference title.

Training camp opens Monday, and David Shaw’s junior-dominated team has a load of experienced players, including running back Bryce Love. The returning players will be buttressed by a small (14-player) but talented freshman class generally ranked in the top 20 by the recruiting services.

Keller Chryst’s health

By all accounts, Chryst’s recovery from a torn ACL seven months ago is on or ahead of schedule, but there’s a chance his mobility could be limited in camp and perhaps early in the season.

Although Stanford’s offense is again expected to tilt toward the running game, Chryst will have standout wide receivers Trent Irwin and JJ Arcega-Whiteside and a loaded tight end group led by Dalton Schultz.

Chryst began last season as the backup to Ryan Burns. Chryst took over in Week 8 after the Cardinal lost three of four games, culminating in a 10-5 home loss to Colorado in which Burns threw three interceptions. Led by Chryst, Stanford won its last five regular-season games. In fairness to Burns, Chryst faced much weaker opposition and had the benefit of a healthy McCaffrey, who had struggled physically during the slump.

The larger question about Chryst, one that probably won’t be answered until the season is well under way, is whether he can carry the team with his passing when the ground game isn’t up to par.

The offensive line

Can Stanford improve its pass protection? Four of the five starters are back, but bear in mind that the unit gave up 35 sacks last year, second most in the Pac-12.

Stanford hit the jackpot in landing five-star tackles Foster Sarell and Walker Little. It would take a special freshman tackle to master the complicated playbook and start right away, as Andrus Peat did five years ago; Stanford conceivably could ask two players to try to do it, although veteran David Bright probably will be locked in at left tackle.

Linebacker Joey Alfieri’s switch

Alfieri is moving from outside to inside linebacker. He was fourth on the team in tackles last year, and no inside linebacker ranked among the top six tacklers in defensive coordinator Lance Anderson’s system of three two-man platoons. Inside backer Bobby Okereke had a fine spring. Still, the coaches felt the inside group needed Alfieri’s help.

Solomon Thomas’ replacement

Can Thomas be replaced on the defensive line? Probably not. The 49ers confirmed his talent by making him the third overall pick in the NFL draft. Once again the defensive line is thin, after Harrison Phillips and Dylan Jackson. Redshirt freshman Michael Williams and freshman Dalyn Wade-Perry could have excellent opportunities to play.

Picking a place kicker

The departed Conrad Ukropina posted the highest career field-goal percentage (82.4) in Stanford history. In the mix to take over is Jet Toner, a 6-foot-4 Hawaiian who booted four field goals in the spring game, one a 47-yarder. Collin Riccitelli is also in the competition.

Tom FitzGerald is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: tfitzgerald@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @tomgfitzgerald

Stanford training camp

First practice: Monday

Location: Dan Elliott Practice Fields are behind Maples Pavilion.

Open practices: Sunday, 2:45-5:15 p.m.; Sunday, Aug. 13, 2:45-5:15 p.m.

First game: Aug. 26, vs. Rice in Sydney, Australia