PALO ALTO, California -- The billboard advertisement sits at one of the busiest intersections in town, at the nexus of a bustling shopping center, Palo Alto High School and one of the main entrances to Stanford University. All alone, against a white background, is the image of Bryce Love in something close to full flight, a football nestled in a Nike-gloved left hand. Written underneath the image is "Unanimous All-American" and "Football returns Aug. 31."
The marketing campaign made its appearance just a couple days before the Stanford spring football game, a literal sign that Love was now the new face -- the helmet- and visor-shrouded face, at least -- of the football program.