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Stanford quarterback Ryan Burns staying for 2017
Stanford’s quarterback depth now doesn’t look so dire.
Ryan Burns, the team’s starting quarterback at the beginning of 2016, is planning on staying with the team in 2017. It was reported earlier in January that Burns would be seeking a transfer from the program.
“I figured I have a great opportunity in coming back, getting another degree and learning from some phenomenal coaches for another year,” Burns said in a statement to ESPN. “It’s also very important to me to prove to this team and to myself that I can be so much better than I was last year.”
Had he transferred, Burns could have been immediately eligible at his new school as a graduate transfer.
Burns’ decision could have also been impacted by the Sun Bowl knee injury of quarterback Kellen Chryst. Burns beat out Chryst for the starting job to start the season, but Chryst took over as the team’s main quarterback as the season went on.
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Chryst injured the ligaments in his right knee while planting his foot in the turf on a scramble in the game vs. North Carolina. He’ll miss spring practice and could be unavailable as the season draws closer in August and September. If Burns transferred, K.J. Costello would be the team’s only scholarship QB available for spring practice.
An extended absence for Chryst could open the door for Burns to be the team’s starter once again. Burns was 102-166 passing for 1,151 yards, five touchdowns and seven interceptions in 2016. Chryst, meanwhile, was 77-136 passing for 905 yards with 10 touchdowns and two interceptions.
For more Stanford news, visit CardinalSportsReport.com.
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Nick Bromberg is the assistant editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at nickbromberg@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!
