In the middle of last month, speculation connecting the son of an Oklahoma State legend to a potential transfer to his dad’s alma mater forced the Cowboys’ current head coach to address the talk. A couple of weeks later, a potential move took a step closer to becoming a possible reality.
Barry J. Sanders has confirmed to The Oklahoman that he’s been granted a release from his Stanford scholarship. That release would allow him to transfer to any other FBS football program not in the Pac-12.
The son of former OSU Heisman-winning running back Barry Sanders also confirmed to the paper that he is very amenable to a move to Stillwater.
“That’s definitely an option,” Sanders said of finishing out his career with the Cowboys. “I have not been in contact with those guys yet, but I would like to see what they have to offer. Hopefully we can find some common ground.”
Sanders gave no indication as to any other schools that might be on his transfer radar.
With Heisman Trophy finalist Christian McCaffrey — the player who broke the elder Sanders’ single-season all-purpose yardage mark in 2015 — being just a sophomore and returning for at least one more season, he would likely, once again, be the focal point of the Cardinal offense in 2016 — especially with a new starting quarterback in tow. Sanders’ move is very likely tied to the opportunity for more playing time.
Should Sanders leave for the Cowboys, or any other FBS team for that matter, he would be eligible to play immediately in 2016 -- he’ll graduate from Stanford in June -- provided, of course, he graduates and enrolls in a grad program at his new school not offered at his old one.
Sanders was a four-star member of the Cardinal’s 2012 recruiting class, rated as the No. 9 running back in the country and the No. 2 player at any position in the state of Oklahoma. He chose Stanford over, among others, Alabama and the Big 12 OSU.
The last three seasons, Sanders has rushed for 672 yards (5.8 yards per carry) and five touchdowns. He’s also caught 12 passes for 89 yards and averaged 9.5 yards on 10 punt returns.