"We didn't even know how good we were": Christian McCaffrey once summarized the quality of the Stanford team he was a part of

Christian McCaffrey is arguably the best running back in the NFL currently. The Stanford alum has been a crucial offensive weapon in the Carolina Panthers and San Francisco 49ers offense over the years as the team continues to remain a strong force. He is anticipated to once again be on top form this season.

Before the NFL story began, Christian McCaffrey played college football on a Stanford team that was highly underrated. In his February 2023 appearance on an installment of the “Bussin’ With The Boys” podcast a year ago, McCaffrey discussed how good the Cardinal were contrary to perception.

“We had a good team,” McCaffrey said. “I feel like people counted us out a lot and we didn't even know how good we were. But there's like 20 to 25 dudes who I played with in the three years I was there, who were in the league.”

How Christian McCaffrey career went at Stanford

Christian McCaffrey's career at Stanford is something many college football fans continue to admire. He was considered one of the best prospects in the country and immediately started leaving his mark on the Cardinal right from his freshman year while playing many roles.

McCaffrey played three seasons at Stanford and primed himself as one of the best running backs in the country. He rushed for 3,922 yards and 21 touchdowns with the Cardinal also recording 99 receptions for 1,206 yards and 10 touchdowns, showcasing his all-round potency.

“I didn't know if I was going to start before the season started,” McCaffrey said. “I didn't start in my freshman year. I was kind of a third-down utility guy, punt return, kick returner and stuff like that.”

“My second year, I got the nod. Lost to unranked Northwestern and you just don't know what's going to happen. Then it just started going and going. I don't think it hit me until the end. It was a fun team.”

Did Christian McCaffrey win a Heisman Trophy?

Christian McCaffrey didn't win a Heisman Trophy during his college football career. However, a host of analysts in the landscape believe he should have won the 2015 edition of the award ahead of eventual winner Alabama's Derrick Henry.

In the 2015 season, McCaffrey rushed for 2,019 yards and eight touchdowns. He also recorded 45 receptions for 645 yards and five touchdowns. However, it was his overall playing performance and what he contributed to his team that intrigued a host of journalists.