Ben Gardner to return to Stanford for 5th year

Stanford Cardinal defensive lineman Ben Gardner will return to the team for his fifth year, he announced via Twitter. Stanford's defense was a huge asset for the team in the 2012 season, and Gardner played a key role.

Gardner shined in the 2013 Rose Bowl in particular, making six tackles, four solo, including a key tackle early in the second quarter. Up 14-0, Stanford was making a goal line stand and had Wisconsin going for it on fourth and 1 from the Cardinal 1. Gardner tackled James White for no gain, keeping the Badgers off the board and the momentum in Stanford's favor.

Gardner had 49 tackles in 2012, 26 of them solo and 14.5 of them for a loss. He also had 7.5 sacks, five passes broken up and a forced fumble. Cardinal fans are undoubtedly pleased to see if he can top those numbers in his final year.