Before they play their final game as a Cardinal in the Sun Bowl, Stanford's seniors have each written a message to their freshman self with advice before they play their first game.
C Johnny Caspers – Glen Ellyn, Ill.
"Take a deep breath and don't force anything. Just go out there, trust yourself and have fun. Also work on pass protection more!"
ILB Noor Davis – Leesburg, Fla.
"Adversity will make you better; resiliency will make you great. The work that you put in, you will get back in results. Keep grinding."
FB Chris Harrell – Missouri City, Texas
"Don't get overwhelmed by the initial stress of the experience – stay calm and stay focused. Hard work and dedication does pay off in the end."
FS Zach Hoffpauir – Glendale, Ariz.
"Always be aware of the big picture. Know why you are doing what you are doing. There is a light at the end of the tunnel."
ILB Craig Jones – Modesto, Calif.
"Never take a moment with your brothers for granted. Go out and have fun playing the game you love with the best teammates in the world.
DE Luke Kaumatule – Honolulu, Hawaii
"It's the same game you played when you were a lil' boy on the beach. The same game you played with your family at barbecues and parties. Just go out and do what you do best, have fun and smile making plays."
SS Dallas Lloyd – Pleasant Grove, Utah
"Learn to EMBRACE THE GRIND. The moment that you do, Stanford will change your life, and your dreams will come to life."
WR Francis Owusu – Oxnard, Calif.
"Enjoy the process and everything that you go through because four years flies by. Go Card!"
WR Michael Rector – Gig Harbor, Wash.
"Take a deep breath and really take it all in. Smell the air, hear the crowd and feel the atmosphere. Your college football years fly by you, and it's a journey worth living in the moment for."
K Conrad Ukropina – Pasadena, Calif.
"Trust and enjoy the process. Keep your head down and grind every day, and you will earn a scholarship (and play in some pretty cool games along the way). Life is about the process!"
DE Jordan Watkins – Decatur, Ga.
"It sounds clichéd, but the whole process goes really fast. Enjoy every single thing as much as you can."