Not much went right for Stanford during the 2021 season, but with 2022 around the corner the program received quite the shot in the arm this week: Kyu Blu Kelly is coming back.

The third-year cornerback announced he’ll return for his senior season.

“Stanford has been a blessing to me and I have formed countless relationships that I will cherish for life; brothers that have only pushed me to be the greatest me I can be on and off the field,” Kelly said in a statement. “I have been able to learn what it truly means to be a student of the game and also an athlete in the classroom. The true definition of a Stanford Man.

“I believe this team has the potential to be something special next year and players and coaches who will stop at nothing to right the wrongs of last year and get Stanford Football back on track. With that being said, through deep thought and prayer, I have decided to return for my senior season to finish my degree and further develop myself into the dominant player that I want to be.

Kelly totaled 59 tackles for the Cardinal this season, adding 10 pass breakups and two interceptions (one of which he returned for a touchdown) en route to an All-Pac-12 Second Team selection by the league’s coaches. He was an honorable mention selection in 2020.

The Las Vegas native has 28 appearances and 25 starts over his first three seasons. During that time, Kelly has registered 114 tackles, 16 pass breakups, and three picks. As he looks to improve his draft stock, the Cardinal will no doubt enjoy having one of their best defenders and top cover corners back as a veteran voice on the defense.