[2024] Stanford Star Running Back Prepares for “One Last Ride” in New Conference

[Ricky Campbell]

• THE STANFORD DAILY
• February 17th. 2024

 

Despite all the new changes coming to the Stanford Cardinal football program in 2024, one entity remains a stable pillar – that is star running back Vontae Knebel.  Since the start of his tenure as a freshman amidst the towering redwoods in Palo Alto, the running back has captivated college football audiences with his speed, running ability, and special teams playmaking ability as a dynamic returner.  However, the Cardinal will be joining a new conference in 2024, the Atlantic Coast Conference.  While there will be some familiar trips to Berkeley and Eugene, the Cardinal’s schedule will include trips across the entire country to Clemson, North Carolina State and even the gray-skied tundra of Syracuse, New York.  This has led to some doubt among pundits in the college football community that Knebel’s domination will translate over to the ACC. 

The most recent example is a video that surfaced of popular YouTube college football analyst Bud Johnson: “Everybody was asleep by the time Vontae was on the TV for those now gone forever late night Pac12 games.  Crowds just don’t have the same atmosphere out West. There’s not as much NFL talent in the PAC,” said Elliott.  “Can Knebel really continue his success in hostile environments like Doak Campbell Stadium or Death Valley? He couldn’t even will his team to a winning record last year!?!  I’ll believe it when I see it!”

When asked about the video, Knebel appeared to take the high road and stated with a smirk, “This is going be a fun last ride.  That’s what I keep telling my fellow seniors.  One last ride, and there’s no stopping this train, so I would say to anyone doubting us to enjoy the ride.”  Coach Ricky Campbell seemed to take the slogan literally and reportedly wore a conductor’s hat to the first spring practice.  The rumors out of the online forum ‘Cardinal 247’ report that he ran around the field yelling “toot toot” nonstop, which made many in the community question whether the coach is a proper fit for a prestigious university like Stanford.  While the team hasn’t explicitly stated an inaugural appearance ACC title as the goal for the program, it certainly appears to be the expectation in Palo Alto.

Unsatisfied with the 2023 season’s results, Coach Campbell went unconventional with his hiring of a new strength and conditioning coach.  With the free time that comes with no bowl game to prepare for, Campbell went to Australia to scout possible punters and crossed paths with legendary rugby player turned coach Lucas “The Hammer” Sheffield.  After a few conversations over pints, the Sydney Morning Herald was first to report that Sheffield agreed to terms to become the next strength and conditioning coach for the Cardinal.  There doesn’t seem to be any jet lag in the preseason workouts in the lead up to spring practice.  Knebel told us that the team has never been pushed this hard before and they are hungrier than ever.

Soon enough, fans will know whether the off-season changes have the Cardinal trending in the right direction as their spring games are right around the corner.  The spring games include exciting matches vs Coach @WeezeUniversity of Florida Gators, National Championship winning Coach @acewulfand his Tulsa Golden Hurricanes and a trip to vegas to faceoff against Coach @ChizDippler's UNLV Rebels.  Will this be the start of a great era for Stanford football or a repeat disappointment?  Time will tell.

[SageBow]

can't believe he's still in college, what a monstrous RB