Casey Filkins is one of the most prolific running backs in recent Oregon high school history, and the former Cal commit announced Thursday night that he changed his verbal pledge to Stanford.

"I’ve truly dreamed of one school since I was 14 where I want to play football," Filkins messaged to Cardinal Sports Report about why he will attend Stanford. "There is no better combination of academics and athletics in the world. And I love the people and the relationships I’ve built. I know I’ll have an opportunity to have success for the rest of my life. It’s truly a dream come true."

Filkins found out Tuesday that he was admitted to Stanford University and, like many young men before him, once he heard that news he informed the Cardinal coaches in the same conversation that he was committed. Filkins went public with his Stanford offer Oct. 17 -- the same day he tweeted about one from USC as well -- and it was clear that he had a lot to think about after being committed to Cal since May 11.

Filkins was already very familiar with Stanford after several visits and he camped with the Cardinal in June before his junior season. He excelled in that setting as a receiver, which is the position Cal recruited him to primarily play while Stanford wants him as a running back who can also split out wide.

That distinction was very important to Filkins because he has played running back his entire prep career at Lake Oswego and has been nearly unstoppable at that position. His performance at Stanford's camp -- also at recruit camps and in games-- shows his versatile skill set that makes him a difficult cover out of the backfield or lined up at receiver.

His performance at Stanford's camp caught the attention of Cardinal Sports Report because it was obvious to the untrained eye that his agility and speed (verified 4.57 40-yard dash) make him difficult to contain.

Stanford gave Filkins some space after he committed to Cal but reconnected with him during the summer. Running backs coach Ron Gould has been his main contact and offensive coordinator Tavita Pritchard also built a good relationship with Filkins.

Once Stanford made the decision to offer they became a strong favorite to get Filkins' pledge. He visited for the Cardinal's win over Arizona and the experience reaffirmed what he knew he already loved about The Farm.

He messaged Cardinal Sports Report after the visit:

"We watched the game and I was able to meet with Coach (David) Shaw, Coach Pritchard, and Coach Gould throughout the afternoon. I’ve already been through the facilities and campus so there was a little less of a focus on that.

"After meeting with the coaches I hung out with some of the guys -- Austin Jones was my host and he showed me around. It felt different that I have an offer, I was able to look at things through a different lens. I had a great time."

Filkins was selected to play in the All-American Bowl and his presence in the 2020 class strengthens an already strong contingent of playmakers expected to show up at Stanford next June. Stanford is still in hot pursuit of EJ Smith to join Filkins as a tandem of all-purpose backs who can affect the game in a variety of ways.