Stanford’s McCaffrey passes on Sun Bowl

Christian McCaffrey, Stanford’s junior running back, will not play in the Sun Bowl and instead focus on training for the 2017 NFL Draft, Stanford announced Monday.

“We understand this was a very difficult decision. Christian has not only been a great player, but a great teammate as well,” said David Shaw, Stanford’s Director of Football, in a news release. “We wish him great success at the next level, as we continue our preparation for the Sun Bowl.”

“Well we would be lying if we said we weren’t a little disappointed, but at the same time, we are also understanding,” said Sun Bowl Executive Director Bernie Olivas, “He was hurt earlier this year so I am sure that weighed on his decision.”

“He has a tremendous NFL career ahead of him and that might be sitting in the back of his head,” Olivas said. “Although some might see this as a trend, I believe that playing in a bowl game would be a great way to wrap up a college career.”

The Dallas Cowboys’ Ezekiel Elliott responded to McCaffrey’s move on Twitter.

“All these guys deciding to skip their bowl games. I would do anything to play one more time with my brothers in that scarlet and gray,” Elliott tweeted, “One last time to honor your university and one last chance to play with your boys who will be your brothers for life.”

Elliott then tweeted, “And there is a difference between not coming back for your last year and not finishing your last season.”

After some reaction from his Twitter followers, Elliott tweeted the following comments: “My bad though I didn’t realize they were already battling injuries. So I guess it makes sense. I just know how much I loved my university and the guys I played with. My last game was the most memorable of my career.”

McCaffrey is the second prominent player to make such a decision for the same reason. LSU running back Leonard Fournette has said he will not play in the Citrus Bowl.

“I think we’re going to have a great game, with or without Christian,” said Olivas, who couldn’t hide his disappointment. “(Earlier) he had made a statement that he wanted to finish out the season with his teammates and it was kind of a surprise. He’s not the only one that’s done it. Won’t be the first, won’t be the last one.”

McCaffery will miss out on a legendary list of running backs who played in the Sun Bowl and then went on to star in the NFL, including Tony Dorsett in 1975, Thurman Thomas in 1987 and Priest Holmes in 1994.

“I was looking forward to going and seeing him play,” said former UTEP quarterback Rocky Perez, who indicated he understood McCaffrey’s decision. “With him being a potential first round pick, it’s kind of understandable. I also see the other side of it of you get recruited with certain guys, his class, they’re going to a bowl game, it’s a brotherhood you don’t want to let down.”

UTEP junior running back Aaron Jones, who is considering going pro, tweeted: “He is looking out for himself and his future, but me I’m a competitor so I would play.”

Olivas still expects McCaffrey to travel to El Paso with Stanford, but not play. He still called ticket sales “brisk,” although the Stanford star’s absence could hurt the overall economic impact of the bowl game on the Borderland.

Stanford will play against North Carolina in its 28th bowl game December 30, 2016. It is the school’s eight straight bowl appearance, a record. This will be third meeting between the programs and first since 1998.

North Carolina quarterback Mitch Trubisky, a junior, is still considering whether to come back for another college season. He would be one of the top quarterback prospects in the draft if he does leave early.

“I think it’s smart on their part, because it’s different when you’re a running back and you’re taking all the shots. So for them to just prep for the NFL, I respect it because they’re making the decision that’s best for them in their career,” Trubisky said.

With McCaffrey gone, Bryce Love will likely get most of the carries for Stanford against North Carolina. The sophomore from Wake Forest, North Carolina, ran for 664 yards and 7.4 per carry this season. He had 129 yards and a touchdown against Notre Dame, when McCaffrey was out.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.