New offer A.J. Duffy building a strong connection with Stanford

Stanford offered A.J. Duffy Friday after several months of building a relationship in calls with offensive coordinator Tavita Pritchard and head coach David Shaw. The Cardinal typically rely on visits and for a recruit to participate in an on-campus camp to vet him for an offer, but COVID-19 forced an audible.

Duffy's impressive Hudl was backed up by his classroom stats as well. He has been highly productive through two years of varsity football and has yet to get a 'B' in high school.

"I'm just super happy and honestly grateful and honored to be offered by them," Duffy told Cardinal Sports Report in a phone call Sunday.

Duffy started talking with Pritchard and Shaw about three months ago. He calls Pritchard once a week and Shaw once a month. (College coaches can contact recruits directly beginning Tuesday.)

"I've learned a lot about Coach Pritchard and Coach Shaw. They're genuine. They don't seem to be one way on TV and then act another way when I'm talking with them. They're all around great people."

He has already done a virtual visit and after watching videos with professors, current players and alumni talking about the businesses they now run, he was impressed by their well-rounded personalities and the culture of the team.

"It was super cool and super interesting," he said of the visit. "My parents loved it a lot. They talked about academics, football, all of it — how Stanford can set you up for life.

"The players all said the same thing that the culture there is just different. They're from all over. They seem like they connected and love the coaching staff."

A.J.'s father, Pete, is the head coach at Rancho Verde and is one of the more successful head coaches in Southern California during the past 15 years. (Before returning to Rancho Verde two years ago he was the offensive coordinator at Murrieta Valley, helping coach them to three straight CIF Southern Section championships.)

A.J. has led Rancho Verde to a combined record of 24-2 the last two seasons.

Last year he completed 70.9 percent of his passes for 2,568 yards and 26 touchdowns against 7 interceptions. He rushed for 501 yards and four touchdowns. As a freshman, Duffy led Rancho Verde to a 13-1 record while completing 69.7 percent of his passes for 2,984 yards and 40 touchdowns against seven interceptions. He rushed for 316 yards and four touchdowns.

Which is why USC, LSU, Oregon, Cal and many others have offered. Duffy is still very early in his process and has an open-door policy at the moment: "Pretty much anyone who wants me to contact them, I talk to."

Duffy is confident that once visits are allowed that he will head up to Stanford. He's already received one positive review about the campus from his dad.

Pete coached Mark Bradford in high school and traveled up to Stanford a couple times to support his former player.

"He says I'll love it," A.J. said.