ASU’s D.J. Foster is ready for the challenge of a new position

It seems like just yesterday a young D.J. Foster announced he was staying close to home to play football at ASU over offers from schools like USC and Oregon.

“It’s unbelievable how fast it’s gone,” Foster told Burns and Gambo on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM. “I’ve had so many great memories, so many great teammates and coaches that I’ve met. It’s still not over yet but I’m definitely excited and definitely blessed to have such a great and wonderful time and career at ASU.”

That young kid is now entering his senior season as a Sun Devil, but for the first time, Foster won’t be starting the season as a running back.

Foster rushed for 1,081 yards and nine touchdowns last season and added 62 receptions for 682 yards and three touchdowns. He hopes to, and most likely will, continue his career in the NFL and said he wants to be a Percy Harvin-type slot receiver, so an opportunity to primarily become a receiver felt advantageous.

“I’m happy with it,” Foster said of the move. “It’s what the team kind of needed with Jaelen (Strong) leaving and it’s better for me and my career in the future, hopefully. Coach asked me, he said he thought this is a perfect spot for you and we can see you playing here and helping the team that was all I needed to hear.”

With any change, though, there will obviously be hiccups.

“It’s been a lot of ups and downs making the transition but I’m totally comfortable now,” Foster said. “I’ve learned all the plays and I’m learning new things every day and my coaches and teammates have helped me out a lot.”

Foster feels ready for this Saturday’s season opener against Texas A&M, but moreover he feels confidence in his squad.

“I told my teammates it’s unbelievable how this group of guys came together,” Foster said. “With (Mike Bercovici) only having three starts under his belt but how many guys respect him and have faith and him, the type of leader he is. All across the board, we have so many amazing and talented young men who are so committed to this team and I’m so excited to be a part of it.”