“Obviously, being my second offer, Stanford is definitely up there at the top,” Brandon Fanaika said. “Growing up, Stanford had always been my favorite school.”
After receiving early offers from Stanford and Utah State, Fanaika has garnered additional offers from
a number of programs in the Pac-12, including Arizona, Arizona State and Washington. The two
big in-state programs, Utah and BYU, have also been aggressive in trying to recruit him.
Fanaika highlighted Stanford’s environment and the educational opportunities available as
key factors that are drawing him to the Farm. So far, he has taken three unofficial visits to Palo
Alto.
“It never gets old flying up there,” he said. “It’s a real beautiful place.”
Though he was initially recruited by now-departed head coach Jim Harbaugh, Fanaika has
been keeping up steady contact with the new coaching staff, especially current head coach David Shaw and assistant coach Lance Anderson.
In another sign of strong interest, Fanaika said that he has begun work on Stanford’s
application for admission.
“I think it really gives you a chance to use your brain, and gives you a chance to find out
what Stanford’s going to be like,” he said. “It kind of gives you a chance to think about why you
love Stanford so much.”
Fanaika has also been in touch with several other recruits, some of whom have already
committed to the Cardinal. In particular, he has been in touch with Graham Shuler, a lineman
from Tennessee who committed verbally in late June.
“I asked him why he chose Stanford, and he told me that it was just the right fit for him,” he
said. “I’m definitely glad to have someone like him to talk with and to get hints on things.”
For now, Fanaika said that his plan is to focus on his senior season, and to make a decision
on his final destination once the season is over.
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