Stanford offensive lineman Cameron Fleming has decided to bypass his final year of eligibility and head to the NFL, the school announced on Tuesday.
Fleming, a junior, started the last two seasons at right tackle for the Cardinal. At 6-foot-6, 318-pounds, he’s been one of the keys to Stanford’s powerful ground game of recent years.
With Fleming and left guard David Yankey both declaring for the draft, it means Stanford must replace four of its five line starters from last season.
Not that there’s any dearth of talent available.
Next season will probably see the heralded Stanford offensive line recruiting class of 2012 hit its stride, as reserves Kyle Murphy and Josh Garnett should both step in as starters alongside current left tackle Andrus Peat. Look for Murphy to take over for Fleming at right tackle and for Garnett to step in at left guard. Johnny Caspers, Nick Davidson and Graham Shuler should all be candidates to fill in at center and right guard.
As scary as it sounds to Stanford’s opponents, the Cardinal line of the next couple seasons should be its most talented unit ever.