Cole Underwood had the chance to continue his career at some of the legendary programs in college football like Nebraska and Illinois or one of the elite academic institutions in the country like Wake Forest or Northwestern.

Cole Underwood

The Guyer offensive lineman believes he got the best of both worlds on Friday when he committed to Stanford.

Underwood chose the Cardinal over about a dozen other programs that offered scholarships. Oral commitments are non-binding. The first day recruits in the Class of 2010 can sign national letters of intent is Feb. 3.

“It was really a tough decision,” Underwood said. “I am a business-like man and want to be a businessman in the future. This is a chance to play football and take advantage of the educational opportunities. I will get to play football and be around some of the most unique minds in the world.”

Underwood, 6-3, 270, will play right tackle for Guyer this year. His future at Stanford is uncertain when it comes to the position he will play.

“Right now, the coaches would like me to start at right tackle,” Underwood said. “It depends on how my body develops in their workout program.”

Underwood’s father is 6-8. If he continues to grow in terms of height, Underwood could end up playing tight end or defensive end. If he puts on weight, he could grow into a prototypical left tackle.

Guyer head coach John Walsh said several teams project Underwood as a center in college.

What is of little doubt is that Stanford has landed one of the players who helped Guyer quickly develop into one of Texas’ elite high school teams in just three seasons as a varsity program. The Wildcats lost in the state semifinals to Longview last season.

“Cole has been huge in the development of our program,” Walsh said. “Teams that advance deep into the playoffs have leadership from their players. Cole has provided that for us.”

Underwood continued to excel academically last season while showing potential as a blocking tight end for Guyer. He finished with three catches for 25 yards as a junior.

Underwood’s combination of academic and athletic ability helped him earn the opportunity to pursue his goal of working in the business side of sports following his athletic career at Stanford.

“I want to major in sports marketing and sports finance,” Underwood said. “Stanford has one of the best programs in the country. I talked to one of their professors who is a consultant with the NFL and the San Francisco 49ers.”

Underwood was also attracted to Stanford by the school’s football program that has improved under head coach Jim Harbaugh over the last few years. Stanford finished 5-7 last season with wins over Washington, Washington State and Arizona.

The Cardinal shocked top-ranked Southern Cal in 2007.

“I was looking for the best education, but Stanford is a Pac-10 team,” Underwood said. “They plan on having a good football team. I believe in change and making history like we did at Guyer.”

BRETT VITO can be reached at 940-566-6870. His e-mail address is bvito@dentonrc.com .