STANFORD, Calif. – Junior cornerback Kyu Blu Kelly announced on Monday that he has decided to return to Stanford for his senior season. Kelly was a second-team All-Pac-12 defensive back in 2021, leading the Pac-12 and ranking top 20 nationally in passes defended.
Kelly finished with 58 tackles, two interceptions and 10 pass breakups as a junior. He also added a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.
He registered interceptions in each of the season's first two games, earning a spot on the Pro Football Focus National Team of the Week following the week one game against Kansas State and earning Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Week following a week two win over USC.
In that game at the Coliseum, Kelly registered a pick-six with seven tackles and four pass breakups in holding USC's Drake London, the 2021 Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year, to just four catches for 68 yards, both season lows.
A statement from Kelly about his decision is below:
"Stanford has been a blessing to me and I have formed countless relationships that I will cherish for life; brothers that have only pushed me to be the greatest me I can be on and off the field.
I have been able to learn what it truly means to be a student of the game and also an athlete in the classroom. The true definition of a Stanford Man.
I believe this team has the potential to be something special next year and players and coaches who will stop at nothing to right the wrongs of last year and get Stanford Football back on track.
With that being said, through deep thought and prayer, I have decided to return for my senior season to finish my degree and further develop myself into the dominant player that I want to be.
Go Card and God Bless!"