07-20-2013, 01:43 PM
I don't know if I can narrow it down to 4. There are some players from way back that should be considered:
Ernie Nevers is one of two players who's jersey has been retired (along with Plunkett). In 1925 Rose Bowl, he played all 60 minutes and ran for more yards than the Four Horsrmen combined.
In 1940, Frankie Albert made a major contribution to an undefeated season and a no. 2 national ranking.
I would also consider Bill Walsh. Although his record on the field is not spectacular (at Stanford), he played an important role in making the current program possible. At a time when Stanford's image (and football coaching all over) was lillie white, he promoted development of minority coaches. I don't think Jim Habaugh would have been so eager to come save Stanford football without Walsh.
Out of the original 4 on the list, I would drop Elway. I loved watching him play. But I don't think he left his mark on the program the way the other people mentioned have.
Ernie Nevers is one of two players who's jersey has been retired (along with Plunkett). In 1925 Rose Bowl, he played all 60 minutes and ran for more yards than the Four Horsrmen combined.
In 1940, Frankie Albert made a major contribution to an undefeated season and a no. 2 national ranking.
I would also consider Bill Walsh. Although his record on the field is not spectacular (at Stanford), he played an important role in making the current program possible. At a time when Stanford's image (and football coaching all over) was lillie white, he promoted development of minority coaches. I don't think Jim Habaugh would have been so eager to come save Stanford football without Walsh.
Out of the original 4 on the list, I would drop Elway. I loved watching him play. But I don't think he left his mark on the program the way the other people mentioned have.