Stanford senior fullback Patrick Skov has announced his intentions to play at Georgia Tech as a graduate transfer next season.
"This was not an easy decision," he wrote on Twitter. "I am humbled and deeply appreciative of my four unforgettable years at Stanford, while at the same time excited about the wonderful opportunities that await me at Georgia Tech."
Skov plans to graduate from Stanford in June with a degree in International Relations. He's been accepted into Georgia Tech's MBA program, and he'll be eligible to play immediately in Atlanta, presumably as the 'B-back' in the Yellow Jackets' triple-option offense.
— Patrick Skov (@patrickskov24) April 21, 2015
The 6-foot-1, 235 pound Skov, the younger brother of former Stanford star linebacker Shayne Skov, carried the ball 12 times last season, primarily in short-yardage situations. He scored four touchdowns. Perhaps Skov's most memorable moment in a Cardinal uniform came in 2013 when he sniffed out a Cal fake punt and delivered a bone-jarring hit short of the first down marker. That physicality is certainly appealing to the Yellow Jackets, who are looking to upgrade their size in the backfield.
With fellow fullback Lee Ward's eligibility exhausted, Stanford's focus at the position now rests with sophomore Daniel Marx, who saw action as a true freshman last season. The Cardinal is one of the few teams that is still reliant on the fullback position, and David Shaw's coaching staff has been bullish on Marx since his recruitment.
The Cardinal have seen an uptick in transfer activity this offseason. Offensive lineman Kevin Reihner (Penn State) and cornerback Wayne Lyons (Michigan) are also headed to new programs for their fifth years. Running back Kelsey Young and quarterback Evan Crower are reportedly looking into transfer options, though neither has announced a destination.
Stanford also stands to benefit from the first-ever incoming graduate transfer in program history. Defensive end Brennan Scarlett will be making his way from rival California before 2015 kicks off.