Stanford linemen David DeCastro, Jonathan Martin will enter NFL draft

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Stanford faced its future Tuesday, one day after a heartbreaking loss to Oklahoma State in the Fiesta Bowl.

All-America offensive linemen David DeCastro and Jonathan Martin will enter the NFL draft -- decisions that had been expected but nonetheless reaffirmed the onset of a new era for the Cardinal.

"I have decided to enter the NFL draft," tweeted DeCastro, a first-team All-America guard. "Thanks to all who have supported me and Stanford football. I wouldn't have wanted to be anywhere else."

Martin, a second-team All-America left tackle, tweeted: "I have decided to forgo my final year of eligibility and enter the NFL draft. Thank you to everyone who has loved and supported me."

Quarterback Andrew Luck long ago announced the 2011 season would be his last at Stanford, and linebacker Chase Thomas also is mulling over the NFL.

Meanwhile, the 41-38 overtime loss in the Fiesta Bowl is lingering over the program.

Stanford appeared to be well-positioned for its second consecutive Bowl Championship Series victory.

With the score tied and less than one minute remaining, the Cardinal was on Oklahoma State's 25-yard line with three timeouts in its pocket.

Instead of going for a touchdown or trying to set up a chip-shot field goal, Stanford ran the ball twice and let the clock wind down.

With three seconds remaining, freshman Jordan Williamson attempted a pressure-packed game-winner

from 35 yards.

During the season, he made 6 of 7 attempts from 30-39 yards. But this kick was wide left.

"It's not an easy feeling," Oklahoma State kicker Quinn Sharp said. "Everything comes down to you. You are the last one. It is on the line."

Stanford also wasted an opportunity in overtime. On second-and-5, tight end Levine Toilolo was called for a false start. Then tailback Stepfan Taylor lost 3 yards, bringing up third-and-13.

Luck's pass to receiver Ty Montgomery wasn't close to a first down, leaving Williamson to attempt a 43-yard kick.

The snap was a bit low, and the kick sailed wide left.

"We didn't finish, and that's not just the kick at the end," coach David Shaw said.

Oklahoma State won a few minutes later with a 22-yard field goal.

Luck was sensational in the final game of his Stanford career, completing 20 of 21 passes from midway through the second quarter to the start of overtime.

In all, Luck threw for 347 yards on 27-of-31 passing.

"I will completely go over the top and say he's a Hall of Fame college football player that come around every 20 years or so," Shaw said. "He hates to hear that, but it's the doggone truth."

Asked if he was satisfied with his decision to return to Stanford for the 2011 season instead of entering the NFL, Luck said: "Yes, it was worth it. Not to say I enjoyed every moment, because I didn't, but it was worth every moment."

With Williamson sobbing in the locker room, Stanford players rallied to the freshman's defense.

"I told him to keep his head up," fullback Ryan Hewitt said. "He's still the best kicker I know."

"He's a human being," Taylor said. "And he's our teammate. So we've got to keep him up."

When a reporter attempted to interview Williamson, DeCastro yelled "Leave him alone," according to ESPN.

Fourth-ranked Stanford probably will drop a few spots in the final rankings.

But combined with its No. 4 ranking last year, the Cardinal should finish in the top 10 in back-to-back seasons -- something it hasn't accomplished since 1970-71.

For more on college sports, see Jon Wilner's College Hotline at blogs.mercurynews.com/collegesports.

Source: http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_19667362?source=rss

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