Barry Sanders Jr. Commits to Stanford: Can He Save the Post-Andrew Luck Cardinal

Lil' Barry has made his decision and the family lineage to Stillwater is over, as Barry Sanders Jr. has committed to tote the rock on The Farm.

That's right, Sander has spurned his father's alma mater of Oklahoma State and has announced, as expected, that he is headed to Stanford. It's a huge coup for David Shaw and the Cardinal, as they head into the "P.L." era, meaning "Post Luck" portion of their time frame.

Is Sanders the next marquee player in Palo Atlo/Stanford?

Barry Sanders Jr. Scouting Report

At 5'9", 190 pounds, Sanders actually does remind you a bit of his dad when you watch him on tape. He has excellent elusiveness and quickness in the open field and just enough long speed to get to the house.

He displays great balance to take hits and shoves in the box, and he can still stay on his feet and get up field. He won't wow you with his stature, but he will with the ball in his hands.

Sanders can get to the second level with ease, has juice to scoot past the edges and is fantastic in space. He won't be a great blitz-pick up guy, due to his limited size, but he should kill as a receiver out of the backfield and on screens.

Who Were the Finalists?

Other than Stanford, Sanders looked hard at Oklahoma State, Alabama and Florida State. He was wowed at unofficial trip to Tuscaloosa in the spring and FSU wanted him badly as well.

But the big news here is Oklahoma State. The Pokes just lost out on what many felt was a shoo-in, slam dunk commitment at the start of this recruitment.

Mike Gundy and his staff will have to turn their focus onto another running back.

Can He Lead After Luck?

Yes and no. Luck is a special player. You don't get called the most complete QB prospect since Peyton Manning for no reason now folks. 

Yet, Sanders is a excellent back and his speed will work well on the Farm. Stanford is a run dominant team, and Sanders could easily develop into a suped-up Stepfan Taylor as time moves on.

His name will be recognizable, but his talent should make him stand out. Sanders will be a key piece to the future of Stanford Football that keeps the Cardinal competitive in the Pac-12.