ASU running back DJ Foster: ‘I have nothing but respect and 100 percent confidence’ in quarterback Mike Bercovici

Arizona State backup quarterback Mike Bercovici has suddenly been thrust into the spotlight after Taylor Kelly suffered a right foot injury in the Sun Devils’ win over the Colorado Buffaloes.

The one-time backup will be under center when ASU squares off with No. 12 UCLA next week. It will be Bercovici’s first career start.

But, despite the junior’s lack of experience, star Sun Devils running back D.J. Foster isn’t worried about a fall off in performance for coach Todd Graham’s offense. He said as much Wednesday while a guest of Burns and Gambo on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM.

“I have nothing but respect and 100 percent confidence in Michael and what he can do,” Foster told the hosts.

While Kelly was known for his ability to make plays on the ground — evading pressure in the pocket and nimbly scrambling — Bercovici’s strength lies in his big arm. But Foster was quick to point out the misnomer in the notion that one quarterback was a pocket passer while the other was a dual threat type. Bercovici, he says, is actually fairly similar to Kelly.

“I think Michael can do whatever he wants to do,” Foster said confidently. “He has talent. He can run. He’s very athletic. And I think people look past that. People see him just as a thrower, but he’s also a very athletic guy and he can run.”

And when asked if the injury to Kelly would change ASU’s offensive approach, Foster didn’t hesitate to answer.

“I don’t think so at all,” he said.

The gameplan, he insisted, would be identical.

“I think it’s critical that we just go out there and play ASU football.”