STANFORD, Calif. (AP) — By David Shaw’s standards, Stanford had another successful season.
The Cardinal won the Pac-12 for the second consecutive year and went to a BCS bowl for the fourth straight season. While Stanford lost to Michigan State in the Rose Bowl, Shaw believes the best days are still ahead for his program — especially with a four-team playoff for the national title starting next season.
As has been the case in recent years, the Cardinal will need to replace several top players — notably departing linebackers Trent Murphy and Shayne Skov and defensive end Ben Gardner.
But Shaw said Thursday that linebacker A.J. Tarpley and defensive end Henry Anderson will return for their final year of eligibility. All-American left guard David Yankey, right tackle Cameron Fleming and free safety Ed Reynolds are still deciding whether to declare for the NFL draft.
