Stanford's Shaw says Christian McCaffrey is the best player in the country and 'it's not even a debate'

Published Dec. 7, 2015 1:44 p.m. ET

foxsports

After his 461 yard performance in Stanford's 41-22 Pac-12 Championship game win over USC, running back Christian McCaffrey is squarely in the race for the Heisman Trophy.

McCaffrey broke Barry Sanders' single season record for all-purpose yards on Saturday, a record that had stood for 26 years.

After the win, Stanford head coach David Shaw was asked about McCaffrey's unique abilities and his stunning sophomore season. Shaw came through with some outstanding quotes, including one that all Heisman voters should notice.

"(Christian McCaffrey) is the best player in the nation," said Shaw, according to Andry Drukarev of Rivals. "I don't know if it's even a question...It's not even a debate."

McCaffrey has gained 3,496 all-purpose yards this season, including 1,847 on the ground and 1,042 on kick returns, both of which are ranked second in the nation.

McCaffrey figures to square off against Alabama RB Derrick Henry and Clemson QB Deshaun Watson for the right to be named the 2014 Heisman Trophy winner.