Stanford’s David Shaw: Christian McCaffrey ‘significantly’ better
The offseason after a runner-up finish in the Heisman Trophy balloting is over for Christian McCaffrey.
[...] it’s back to work for the Stanford’s incomparable tailback, who as a sophomore not only broke the school rushing record with 2,019 yards but also erased one of college football’s most impressive records by compiling 3,864 all-purpose yards.
“It’s always great to be back on the football field and play football rather than running and lifting all the time,” he told reporters Monday after practice as the Cardinal began preparations to defend their Pac-12 and Rose Bowl championships.
“It’s time to play football,” McCaffrey said.
Ever since he arrived on the Farm, other players and coaches have marveled at his grueling conditioning regimen.
In addition to knowing his role, McCaffrey is keen on learning what the offensive linemen are supposed to do on any play.
“I’m just focused on this season, what I can do today to help our team win games,” he said.
Nor is he focused on the lofty expectations for the Cardinal, ranked as high as seventh in one preseason poll.
Tom FitzGerald is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer.