Stanford's offensive line has taken a major hit with the sudden departure of All-American left guard David Yankey, a junior from Roswell, GA. Yankey is not hurt or suspended from the team, rather he has returned home to deal with what's being called a "family situation," and he is not expected to be back in time for this weekend's game against Washington State.
Stanford All-American David Yankey to miss Washington State game
The left guard returns home for a “family situation,” and no timetable is set for his return.
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Here’s more from the San Jose Mercury News:
The Cardinal added that Yankey, a junior from Roswell, Ga., “is healthy and in good standing with the team.” No timetable was given for his return.
Sophomore Joshua Garnett will start in place of Yankey.
The announcement is vague, probably deliberately so as the Yankey family’s privacy is being honored. Yankey didn’t get into specifics on his Twitter account either, offering this statement early Tuesday morning:
So much love. All I can say is thanks #familyallaroundme #GodisGood
— David Yankey (@papa_yank) September 24, 2013
Also, Yankey’s departure caught the Stanford program off guard to at least some extent, as his name is still in the department’s official game notes as a starter.
Garnett is no slouch in relief of Yankey; he was a 5-star prospect coming out of high school in the spring of 2012, he played as a true freshman last year and he should become the anchor of the Cardinal line in due time. Still, this is an Outland Trophy candidate that Stanford no longer has available for at least one Pac-12 game, and that’s a loss that will affect the Cardinal while Yankey remains out.
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