No matter where you are from, whether this is your first Big Game or your last, playing Cal and fighting for the Stanford Axe means everything.
"What I look forward to the most is becoming part of a long tradition that has been well respected in college football." – Sophomore WR J.J. Arcega-Whiteside (Inman, S.C.)
"I'm excited to play in one of the oldest rivalries in college football and especially excited to hold the Axe after a win." – Sophomore ILB Sean Barton (North Salt Lake, Utah)
"The Big Game has meant so much to so many Stanford alums. I look forward to positively contributing to keeping the Axe at home for our seniors." – Sophomore CB Frank Buncom (San Diego, Calif.)
"I'm looking forward to being a part of this great tradition and to continue the win streak with my team. We are all working to finish the season strong." – Freshman OG Nate Herbig (Kalaheo, Hawaii)
"I love the history of the rivalry and how long it's been going on. Playing for the Stanford Axe is something I will cherish because it marks my place and my team's in one of the greatest rivalries known to our game." – Fifth-year senior OG Johnny Caspers (Glen Ellyn, Ill.)
"What I'm most looking forward to in my first Big Game is being able to carry on the tradition these two teams have of competing to see who is the best in the Bay Area. Plus winning an Axe trophy is pretty cool." – Sophomore DE Dylan Jackson (Maryville, Tenn.)
"It's the final opportunity to rush the Axe Committee with my brothers and take our Axe. Nothing short of a Rose Bowl victory is that sweet." – Fifth-year senior ILB Craig Jones (Modesto, Calif.)
"Rivalry games are what college football is all about. I'm excited to lay it all on the line against Cal for one last time." – Fifth-year senior SS Dallas Lloyd (Pleasant Grove, Utah)
"The Big Game is always a fun game to play in, with the rivalry between both schools. There's not only school pride on the line, but also a trophy, too -- and you've gotta love that. Playing in my last Big Game is a special opportunity to try to keep the Axe on The Farm for the entirety of my five years." – Fifth-year senior WR Michael Rector (Gig Harbor, Wash.)
"I am extremely excited to play in my first Big Game. It's one thing to hear about the tradition and pride taken in winning the Axe, but now I will be able to play and hopefully keep the Axe where it belongs for another year." – Freshman OLB Curtis Robinson (Irvine, Calif.)
"Playing in my last Big Game means running with my brothers one last time, grabbing the Axe, and holding it up to our screaming fans one final time." – Fifth-year senior K Conrad Ukropina (Pasadena, Calif.)
"Even as a kid growing up on the other side of the country, I know about the Big Game and the Axe. To be able to have held onto the Axe for five years would not only be pleasing for myself, but also a great sign of what this program has done over that span of time -- and a hint of what is to come in the future." – Fifth-year senior DE Jordan Watkins (Decatur, Ga.)
