Hometown Hero: 4-Star RB Recruit D.J. Foster Chooses ASU

"Go Devils. I'm ready to work. Let's get Rose Bowl championships." - D.J. Foster

One of the most heralded local recruits in years has decided to stay home, as Scottsdale Saguaro running back D.J. Foster declared his intentions to play at ASU. The Sun Devils were among three finalists for Foster's services, beating out Cal and USC.

The 6'0", 185-pounder was a four-star recruit and one of the top running back prospects in the entire nation. As a senior, he ran for 3,058 yards (averaging over 13 yards per carry), caught 13 passes for another 250 yards and set a state single-season record with 60 touchdowns. Yes, 60. That number includes a 10 touchdown game against Sunrise Mountain, in which he also rushed for 508 yards.

Foster is a dynamic and explosive gamebreaking player who instantly becomes one of ASU's top offensive weapons. He gives new offensive coordinator Mike Norvell three versatile players--including Deantre Lewis and Jamal Miles--who are lethal as either a runner or receiver to complement the more traditional talents of starting running back Cameron Marshall. Foster's athleticism also led him to be recruited as a defensive back by schools such as USC, and as a junior at Saguaro he tallied 60 tackles and seven interceptions.

The declaration was made at Saguaro High School on Friday morning, ending a recruiting period that has taken several twists and turns.

Once thought to be a certain Sun Devil, Foster's recruitment became very uncertain following the termination of Dennis Erickson as head coach. It was thought that Foster would continue to be a likely Sun Devil should offensive coordinator Noel Mazzone stay in Tempe, but when he left for UCLA, the picture fell into disarray. Reports indicated that Foster's parents were preferring out-of-state options, but late efforts by new head coach Todd Graham and staff appear to have overcome strong pitches from rivals such as USC and most significantly Cal.

Foster's commitment is a major sign that the hard work and aggressive recruiting mentality of Graham and his staff is working. Local recruits were largely ignored under the Erickson regime, and Graham has demonstrated that he will not make the same mistake as his predecessor. Given the short amount of time that Graham has had to recruit on ASU's behalf makes this signing all the more remarkable.

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