Cardinal fans have had all the feels since the Road Dogs' fabled 4-0 finish to the 2020 season, and the sentiment of many seniors in the Stanford locker room is that there is something special here to continue in 2021. In recent days, a host of Cardinal seniors have made their decision to return to Stanford for a fifth year: wide receiver Cameron Buzzell, tight end Tucker Fisk, fullback Houston Heimuli, defensive end Ryan Johnson, outside linebacker Thunder Keck, inside/outside linebacker Gabe Reid, defensive tackle Dalyn Wade-Perry and free safety Noah Williams.
"The biggest reason I'm excited about coming back is just the momentum that we have from winning our last four games in 2020," says Gabe. "We know what we're capable of, and we're only going to get stronger, faster and more explosive during the off-season. I'm definitely going to miss my brothers who are leaving to the league or other places, but I'm excited about the opportunity younger guys are going to have to step up and prove themselves."
Optimism rooted in the success of Stanford's battle-tested 2020 season has sprouted a powerful belief in an even bigger 2021, both individually and collectively.
"I think our team can make a Pac-12 Championship run," says Houston. "The grit and determination this team showed was something I've never been a part of before, and I think it's super special."
"I'm looking forward to this upcoming season because I've trusted the process and have the opportunity to surprise a lot of people," says Ryan. "It's finally time to turn untapped potential into success.
"This 2021 team has a chance to be truly be special. More than likely, we will be overlooked to begin the season, but I can promise you that won't be the case by the time it is all said and done."
Alongside Ryan and Dalyn returning on the defensive line for their fifth years, junior defensive end Thomas Booker has decided to run it back for his senior season and finish his degree. Thomas earned both first-team and second-team All-Pac-12 honors this past season, a rare feat, due to his play on both defense and special teams.
Job's Not Finished. #YearIV pic.twitter.com/J60fvz2fPt
— Thomas Booker (@TheThomasBooker) January 9, 2021
"I've seen exactly what our team is capable of when our backs are to the wall," says Thomas. "When we had to pack up and leave Stanford and go on the road for three straight weeks after starting 0-2, we found ways to finish. If we can persevere through that kind of adversity, we can do anything, including our biggest goal every year: winning the Pac-12 Championship."
Adding to the above group that possesses a wealth of experience, starts and leadership, three Stanford fifth-year seniors have decided to return to the Farm for their sixth years. You read that correctly. An unprecedented trio of sixth-years will help anchor the Cardinal locker room in 2021: outside linebacker Jordan Fox, running back Dorian Maddox and quarterback Isaiah Sanders.
Jordan started every game he played in 2020 and is one of the team's best defensive players. Dorian is a well-respected team leader whose season ended due to injury last year before it started. Isaiah was mobbed by one of the greatest team celebrations all season at UCLA after scoring his first career Stanford touchdown. That scene reflected how highly regarded he is by his teammates only a few months after arriving as a graduate transfer from the Air Force Academy.
"This team is family to me, and I love competing with my brothers on the team and have been extremely grateful for the opportunity to play for this coaching staff," says Isaiah. "Not only are they great at what they do, but they have shown me a tremendous amount of respect as a person, and that means the world to me.
"I think we built some really good momentum by the end of this last season, and I'm excited to see how that can and will carry over into next year."
With a wealth of confidence, experience and leadership returning, Stanford's senior-led locker room is poised for big things in 2021. They cannot wait to begin their work and earn everything in front of them.