The Stanford Cardinal football team is focusing on its running back group during the third week of fall camp. The coaching staff has pointed out that this position is one of the deepest on the roster, with several players competing for playing time.
Head coach Frank Reich commented on the group’s progress, saying, “We have a lot of depth in that room. They are all really smart and really physical players. I love how they are attacking every day.”
Running backs coach Malcolm Agnew described the competition as one of the most intense he has seen. “This is one of the most competitive competitions I’ve been a part of,” Agnew explained. “A lot of guys were young last year, and you could tell. A lot of youthful mistakes that they were making are gone. These guys do a great job of staying together as a room and as a brotherhood, despite the competition.”
Three running backs—Sedrick Irvin, Micah Ford, and Cole Tabb—have drawn attention during camp. Each expressed enthusiasm about competing for playing time while supporting their teammates.
“Ask any of us… we love it. Every single day is like our Super Bowl.” – Sedrick Irvin
“We all want that spot, but no matter what decision is made, we don’t care. We’re supportive of whoever is on that field because we know whoever is out there can get it done.” – Micah Ford
“We’re going to keep pushing each other and bring up the room as a whole so that no matter who is in the game, we can execute.” – Cole Tabb
Irvin has taken on more responsibility as a leader among his peers after discussions with Agnew earlier in 2025 clarified his role within the team.
“Sedrick does a great job with positivity, holding people accountable, and he’s a guy who gives energy,” Agnew mentioned. “If we had 30 Sedricks, we would be a really good football team for a long time.”
Irvin credited his fellow running backs for helping him grow into his leadership position: “Everybody has their own drive. I never have to get in the room and get guys going,” Irvin said. “These guys around me make me want to be a better leader and a better player. I’m grateful for them.”
Micah Ford made an impression last season when he rushed for 122 yards against Clemson as a true freshman—the first Cardinal freshman to rush for over 100 yards in one game since 2001—and threw two touchdown passes during his first year.
After recovering from injury last year, Cole Tabb contributed significantly against NC State with 72 rushing yards in his debut—the highest yardage by any Stanford player in their first game since Christian McCaffrey.
Tabb stated that much of his preparation this offseason focused on studying film: “There’s been a lot of film, so I know what looks to expect and I know how to react to it before I get on the field.”
Other running backs such as Chris Davis Jr., Tuna Altahir (a transfer from Eastern Washington), and Champ Hampton remain involved in practice competitions.
Coach Agnew outlined what will determine playing time: “At the end of the day, when you see who is out there more, you’ll know this guy has the best blend of trust and playmaking, whether it’s in all situations or a specific situation,” he elaborates. “Are you making plays? Are you trusted? You can’t just be a trusted guy and not make plays. You can’t be a guy that makes plays every fifth play, but you’re busting the other four plays before you have that big play.”
Agnew also drew comparisons between this year’s deep rotation at running back and Stanford’s trio from 1999—Brian Allen, Coy Wire, and Kerry Carter—who helped lead their team to success without relying solely on one main rusher.
Former standout Christian McCaffrey visited spring practice earlier this year to advise current players: Be central figures within the offense.
Stanford enters its upcoming season prepared to use multiple options at running back based on performance throughout fall camp.
