Walker Little opts for the NFL

The Stanford Cardinal won’t play a down of football in 2020 and standout offensive tackle Walker Little won’t play another down for Stanford in any year.

Little has opted out of the 2020-21 college season and has entered the 2021 NFL Draft pool as one of the top tackle prospects for this class.

Little is largely seen as one of the top tackle prospects available and becomes the second Pac-12 tackle this week to declare for the 2021 NFL Draft. Top-three pick Penei Sewell from the Oregon Ducks declared for the draft on Monday (and was followed by two members of the Ducks secondary).

Little stands at 6’7, 320 pounds and though he missed time last year due to injury, still has NFL draft pundits drooling.

He penned an awesome letter of appreciation for the Stanford community, fans and staff.

I returned to Stanford for my senior year to finish my degree and play one more season with my teammates. This fall, I will indeed graduate, but with so much uncertainty regarding the football season, the time is right to opt out of the 2020-21 season and prepare for the NFL Draft.

The past three years at Stanford have prepared me for this moment and I am ready and eager for what the future holds.

I will always cherish the memories I have made with my teammates both on and off the field. The men in the locker room are what has made Stanford Football special for me.

I want to thank Coach Shaw for being true to what he said in recruiting and taking care of me, guiding me and changing me into the man I am now. He has helped me reach my ultimate goal, a Stanford degree and an opportunity to play in the NFL. For that I will always be grateful.

The older players and coaches told me to take advantage of the Stanford experience. Coach Shaw always talks about, “wringing it dry.” Getting everything out of it, in school, football, and socially. I strived to do that during my time at Stanford. I made great friends on the football team, but I also made some great friends outside of football that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. I learned and questioned some of the best professors and teachers a student could ask for. I competed with not just a team but a family that was there for me through the ups and downs and pushed me to be great every step of the way.

The Stanford community is unique, everyone is great at what they do. Whether it’s athletics or academics, there are people at the top of their field all around. It drives you each and every day to be your best. Looking back, I would not be where I am now without the Stanford community pushing me to be my very best in all aspects of life each and every day.

To my teammates, Coach Shaw, Coach Pritchard, Coach Carberry, Coach Alamar, and Coach Bloomgren; to the medical and academic staffs, performance coaches, athletic trainers, support staff, donors, and especially the fans: Thank you. Your constant support allowed me to succeed.

Thank you Stanford for the past three years, I will never forget them.

Go, Card!

No reason to play this year, in my opinion. This is the right (and only) move to make for Little. Expect others around the Pac-12 and Big Ten to follow.

We thank you, Walker! Thanks for the memories and the time on campus. Go be great in the NFL!