Brendon Barrow excited about getting his dream offer

Brendon Barrow visited Stanford when he was nine years old and he decided then that the university was his dream school. He received a scholarship offer from the Cardinal Saturday.

While it was not a complete surprise to be offered after he had been in contact with Stanford for about a month, Barrow said he was "in shock" and "I was stoked about it. It was a once-in-a-lifetime feeling."

Barrow visited Stanford when he lived in California with his mom.

"Something about it made it my dream to go there," he laughed. "I'd always heard about how hard it is to go there. I made it a goal of mine."

He was born in Texas and lived in Canada from the age of eight to when he was 17. He played football in the Toronto area and his high school team would travel down to Ohio for games every weekend.

He played his first two high school seasons at Clarkson Football North in Burlington, Ontario.

"I don't think I would have gotten the same education if I was in the states because some of the schools I went to were so prestigious and great with their education. On top of that, my development (as an athlete) was amazing. I don't think I could have been the same athlete I am today if I did not train with the people I had there. Honestly, I never would want it any other way.

"I've jumped to three different high schools. Every decision was made with getting one step closer to my goal and what's best for me and my family. All my coaches have understood that and all my teachers. Everyone has always been behind me and supporting me."

Barrow played his junior season at Clearwater Academy International in Clearwater, Florida. In a "it's a small world" coincidence, Clearwater lost a 59-56 thriller last season to national power Elder (Ohio) and Barrow also played against Elder his sophomore season as a member of Clarkson Football North.

Barrow paired up with a very productive senior, Ludovick Choquette (signed with Western Illinois), in the backfield at Clearwater. Barrow's explosive speed is immediately evident in his Hudl highlight and his stats: 81 carries for 1,007 yards and 16 touchdowns.

Barrow provided an evaluation of himself and what he has heard from coaches who have watched his videos: "I am a very speedy guy but I do take my time in the backfield, especially to read blocks. I don't like to do a lot of flashy, shifty stuff. I definitely don't like to waste steps. Every step for me counts. I'm not just fast, I'm strong. I'm good at stiff-arming and I wish I would use it more."

Coaches have advised him to get more aggressive and physical in pass protection and to improve balance.

Rutgers, South Carolina, Minnesota and others have offered, and prior to Stanford getting involved those three schools stood out the most in his mind. Rutgers has made him a priority and Greg Schiano has personally been involved in recruiting him.

"I think it (the Stanford offer) does make this process a lit bit longer because ... I have to take the time to explore everything Stanford offers. Obviously it's a dream school so I was going to explore it regardless. They definitely stand in my top three schools.

"The relationship I have with Rutgers is kind of next to none right now, but I've also been talking with them for the longest. Right now I'm really missing visits. I don't choose to make my decision based on relationships with coaches or the name of the school. I'd rather feel the vibe and the culture the school has."

Running backs coach Ron Gould has been Barrow's main contact the past few weeks.

"I think Coach Gould is amazing. Obviously his profile speaks for itself. Just to talk with him every day is a blessing because someone who knows the game that well, and they can shape you, is just great to have someone who can make you better.

"Plus, he's a big believer in faith and I'm also a big believer in faith so that's one thing we really click on."