Saguaro's Foster a feather in ASU's recruiting cap

D.J. Foster, the Sabercats' do-everything star and one of the top recruits in the state of Arizona, was to announce where he'd play his college football. Foster had been offered scholarships by everyone who's anyone in the country, but had narrowed his choices to California, USC and Arizona State.

With his former coach John Sanders and his cousin at his side and a picture of his late older sister on the table to his right, Foster talked about how quickly his time at Saguaro had flown by. He fought off the urge to use the phrase "I'm taking my talents to..." and reached under the table to grab a cap to signify where he'd be playing.

"I'm going to be staying home and I'm going to be an Arizona State Sun Devil," Foster announced to a round of uproarious applause from family members, friends, teammates and fellow students.

And with that, you could almost hear the collective sighs of relief from Sun Devil nation, a group that has seen their beloved program be dragged through the mud on a national basis. Finally something positive to build on for the beleaguered program.

Foster is a huge get for head coach Todd Graham and his staff. Graham hasn't been shy about discussing the importance of in-state recruiting, and landing Foster, ranked as the 21st-best athlete in the nation in this year's class shows he's not messing around. Foster is the highest-rated in-state recruit to pick ASU since probaby Zack Miller of Desert Vista High School committed to play for coach Dirk Koetter in 2004.

ASU landing Foster is a testament to just how hard this program worked in its own backyard under a time crunch.

"I was ready to commit months ago," Foster said. "Then I took a step back and opened my options and looked at some other schools.

"But then the new staff came in and I got a really good vibe from them. Coach Graham, I like him a lot. He's a God-first person, and I really like that."

Foster posted eye-popping numbers during his senior season for the Division III state champions, running for 3,058 yards and 54 touchdowns while averaging over 13 yards per carry. In one game against Sunrise Mountain, Foster piled up 508 yards and ten touchdowns.

And he's versatile too. Foster also starred as a defensive back and returned punts and kicks.

Graham has been talking about his high-octane philosophy since he stepped foot on campus in mid- December. With Foster in the fold five days before National Letter of Intent Day, the first-year head coach will have a higher-grade fuel to work with come September.

Photo courtesy of Katy Ruben Photography