Barry J. Sanders: Hall of Fame Son Expected to Commit to Stanford

The Stanford Cardinal football team may have more "luck" than we thought, especially with the news that Barry J. Sanders is expect to commit to their program at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl.

Many feel that the Cardinal will be in for quite a hit—both talent- and name-recognition-wise—with stud quarterback Andrew Luck heading to the NFL, but acquiring a big name and talent like Sanders could put this program right back on the map.

Perhaps you've heard of his father, Barry Sanders?

Oh, he's only the 10-time NFL Pro Bowler, a Hall of Fame member, third all-time in NFL rushing yards and a former Detroit Lions rushing great.

He accumulated a grand total of 15,269 rushing yards and 99 rushing touchdowns—plus 2,921 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns through the air—during his 10-year NFL career with the Lions.

That's not even to mention the Heisman Trophy and 13 NCAA season records he collected as a football player at Oklahoma State.

Yes, I'm talking about that Barry Sanders. Perhaps the name rings a bell now.

Needless to say, those are huge shoes for Jr. to fill, and according to Jason Kersey of newsok.com, Barry J. Sanders plans on trying to fill them at Stanford:

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Heritage Hall standout Barry J. Sanders is expected to commit to Stanford on Saturday at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. 

A source close to Sanders told The Oklahoman they are “confident he will announce Stanford” as his college choice Saturday in San Antonio.

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If this is indeed true, it will be a huge win for a Cardinal program that is sure to be feeling down right about now.

Not only did they lose the Fiesta Bowl, but they are also about to lose the best quarterback in the nation to the NFL.

Sanders is a 4-star recruit according to Scout.com and is ranked No. 8 in the country at his position.

One look at his highlights and Cardinal fans will be smitten by this speed and ability to cut and weave into a running lane, and I daresay he looks a bit like his father running the ball.

You know what they say: The apple doesn't far fall from the tree.

It looks as if this apple may be landing at Stanford.