Into the backfield- DJ Foster

When coaches are looking for a running back for their system they look at his strength, intelligence, blocking ability, and speed. Sometimes some of those qualities stand out more with certain players. Case in point, DJ Foster.




This third year running back from Saguaro High School in Scottsdale, Arizona has all these previous said qualities, but the one quality he has that stands out more than anything is his blinding speed. The kid is just flat out fast. Foster should be the featured back in the Sun Devils offense this year with the departure of Marion Brice. To me, I think it is an upgrade from the last few backs they have had. None of the recent running backs have had Fosters speed and agility to avoid defensive lineman, linebackers and defensive backs. Once this young man get into open space on a football field, he can make the best defensive players seem average. "Speed kills" is an old adage in football, and with DJ, it most certainly does kill. Speed is something you can not coach, you either have it or you don't.


The other part of Foster's game that is a bit under the radar is his catching ability. In the system the Sun Devils run, a running back has to be able to catch the ball and get vertical down field quickly. Having good hands therefore, is essential for him to be successful. For example, DJ led the nation in receiving yards for a running back with 653 yards. Foster has the ability to break it at any point, anywhere on the field. Another part of his receiving stats that stands out is that he led the team in receptions with 63. Being able to catch the ball like he does makes him this dual threat back that all coaches love to have in his backfield.


His career game was against the University of Arizona which was pleasing to all Sun Devil fans. Nice timing to have his career game against their hated rival to the south. He had two touchdowns, 23 carries, and 124 yards in that game.


DJ Foster is a force to reckoned with in the Pac-12, coaches have to game plan for him, he has the respect of his teammates, and the respect of the other teams in the conference. The best thing that I like about him is his speed, but more than that, he stayed home in Arizona to play. He wanted to have family watch him play in college and wanted that support from them. As his game grows, his popularity will grow, and the accolades will soon follow. I watched this kid play in numerous games in high school and always came away impressed with his ability, but more so how he handled himself around teammates and the fans at his high school. He is one of those players that makes people stand up and watch him run every time he touches the ball. The great thing about that is that he is going to get a lot more touches the next couple of seasons in Tempe.


I will certainly be standing up and watching this young man run around defenders in the Pac-12. Run DJ, run...