Stanford football already has a new coach for the 2007 season, but it will now need a new starting fullback as well. Emeka Nnoli, the Cardinal starter for 10 of last season’s games, will retire before his fifth year due to medical complications.

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Last year's starting fullback Emeka Nnoli announced on Monday that he was retiring due to medical complications.

Nnoli made the announcement on Monday after receiving medical advice on the bone-weakening avascular necrosis he suffers from in both hips. The starting fullback told GoStanford.com that he was hoping the condition would clear up before having “a big season” under new head coach Jim Harbaugh, but the best choice for him now is to “stay out and let it heal on its own.”

“It’s unfortunate because I’ve played with these guys for five years,” Nnoli said. “I know they’re going to do big things this year and go to a bowl game.”

Nnoli rushed for 49 yards on 19 carries last season. He also caught eight balls for 62 yards after moving into a position previously held by Nick Frank ‘06, who also retired from Stanford football due to a cervical spine condition.