The Stanford Cardinal football recruiting class got a bit richer this week as they added a couple of new signees to their 2020 class. Head coach David Shaw and Co. added the services of three-star QB Beau Nelson and three-star OLB Matthew Merritt.
Nelson, featured in the video above, hails from Bishop Kelly High School in Idaho. He’s 6’2, 183 pounds and could sling it just as well as he could take off and run with it.
He competed in 2019’s The Opening Regionals, finishing with times of 4.92 in the 40-yard dash, 4.34 in the shuttle, 34.4 in the vertical jump as well as officially marking his height and weight above. It was announced well earlier this year that Nelson was committed, but went unofficial until Thursday.
Beyond excited to announce that I am committed to play football at Stanford University! Thank you to everyone who has helped and supported me along the way! @maeubanks @tavitap @CoachL_Anderson @CoachDavidShaw @BKKnightsFB #CardClass20#FearTheTree pic.twitter.com/8PaaeeE0DN
— Beau Nelson (@BeauNelsonQB) February 6, 2020
Merritt found himself in the same position, committing back in March and having to wait until this past week to officially join the Cardinal.
I am very excited and proud to announce that I will be continuing my academic and athletic career at Stanford University! I thank God and @coach_moynahan for giving me this opportunity. #AG2G #Stanford2024 pic.twitter.com/Ru4icKcOBJ
— Matthew Merritt (@matthewmerritt_) March 28, 2020
Merritt is classified as a defensive end in the 247Sports rankings, playing a role of stand-up rush end or outside linebacker in his high school defense. He stands at 6’2 and weighed in at 255 and chose Stanford over Arizona. He’ll likely have to add some speed and strength in order to make any sort of impact on the Cardinal defense any time soon.
Still, their signings give Stanford an official 27 new athletes joining the university for the class of 2024. A class that is certainly worthy of its national rank.