Stanford names Ryan Burns starting QB for season opener

Stanford announced Wednesday that Ryan Burns will be the starting quarterback for its season opener against Kansas State on Sept. 2.

The 6-foot-5, 232-pound senior, who has thrown just one pass in his career with the Cardinal, got the nod over junior Keller Chryst. While Burns will be the starter against the Wildcats, head coach David Shaw said that Chryst will see action during the contest.

Burns has some massive shoes to fill in taking over for the departed Kevin Hogan, who was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs in the fifth round of the 2016 NFL Draft. Hogan left the program with the third-most passing yards in school history, trailing just Andrew Luck and Steve Stenstrom.

It will be baptism by fire for Burns as the Cardinal start the season with a very difficult slate. Following the Kansas State contest, Stanford hosts USC before travelling to UCLA and Washington. After a home game against Washington State, the annual rivalry game at Notre Dame looms.

Luckily for Burns, Heisman trophy finalist Christian McCaffrey returns at the running back position, and it's a safe bet the offense will revolve around his versatile talents.