Stanford Cardinal running back Christian McCaffrey breaks a tackle on a run for a touchdown during a NCAA football game against the Rice Owls on November 26, 2016 at Stanford Stadium in Palo Alto, CA. (Photo by Tommy LaPorte/Icon Sportswire) (Icon Sportswire via AP Images)

by Jerry Feitelberg

Stanford’s Alan George released a press release this morning regarding Christian McCaffrey.

//FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE//
December 19, 2016

McCaffrey to Miss Bowl
Running back will begin NFL Draft training

STANFORD, Calif. – Christian McCaffrey will not play in the Sun Bowl, the junior running back announced Monday. McCaffrey will direct his focus and efforts toward training for the 2017 NFL Draft.

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

Stanford makes its 28th all-time — and school-record eighth straight — bowl appearance Dec. 30 when it faces North Carolina in the Sun Bowl. It is the third meeting between the programs and first since 1998. The game will be broadcast on CBS with kickoff set for 11 a.m. PT.