Kyle Murphy: Top Recruit Would Help Stanford Retool After Key Losses

Stanford will lose offensive tackle Jonathan Martin and guard David DeCastro to the NFL this offseason, two linemen who played pivotal parts in the team's success the last few years.

But landing an offensive tackle like Kyle Murphy would help ease the burden.

Murphy, the No. 4 offensive tackle in the 2012 class according to ESPNU, has reportedly narrowed his decision down to Stanford and USC. He's a dominant run-blocker with the size, athleticism, balance and agility to translate nicely to the next level.

Stanford will face a lot of uncertainty heading into this season. In addition to losing two offensive linemen who are projected to be first-rounders in the NFL draft, the Cardinal also lost star quarterback Andrew Luck, the projected No. 1 overall pick in the draft. There's also the loss of tight end Coby Fleener the Cardinal have to worry about.

Murphy is from San Clemente, Calif. In that regard, if he wanted to sign closer to home he'd go to USC. But Stanford is certainly not out of the question upstate.

However, the general consensus is that Murphy will sign with USC.

Tweeted Pedro Moura of ESPN Los Angeles:

Stanford would be ecstatic to land a recruit of Murphy's caliber, who has the ability to step in right away on the line and make a difference.

Even with the losses of Martin and DeCastro, Murphy would set Stanford up to be one of the better offensive lines in college football.