D.J. Foster, offensive line chemistry paying big dividends for Arizona State
Sep 9, 2014, 9:04 PM | Updated: 9:19 pm
TEMPE, Ariz. — He knows he can’t do it alone, so Arizona State running back D.J. Foster refuses to accept all of the credit.
Sure, he’s coming off the best individual performance of his three-year Sun Devil career. Rushing for 216 yards in Saturday’s 58-23 win at New Mexico elevated him to third nationally in total rushing yards (363) and fifth in rushing yards per game (181.5).
But Foster points to another number, five, as in the five guys up front to explain his early season success.
“To be honest, it’s our (offensive) line. Me and our O-line have a great chemistry,” he said after practice Tuesday. “They were moving very well Saturday. I feel like it’s one of the most athletic O-lines I’ve seen. I thought they did a great job of opening up the holes for me, and I was just running hard.”
That chemistry, according to Foster, began over the summer.
“We do a lot of grinding in the offseason,” he said.
Left tackle Jamil Douglas, right guard Vi Teofilo and right tackle Tyler Sulka returned after starting all 14 games last season, while center Nick Kelly and left guard Christian Westerman are new, but have fit in immediately.
“They’re just such a tough group, such a smart group; great character as a whole unit,” Foster said. “I have a great relationship with them. We communicate on a daily basis. A lot of my best friends are down there. It’s definitely a good chemistry.”
Running behind that line, Foster became the first Sun Devil to rush for over 200 yards in a game since Delvon Flowers gained 226 yards against Oregon State in 2001. Not only were the 216 yards a career-high, but it was the ninth-highest total in school history.
“I feel good,” said Foster, the Pac-12’s No.1 running back. “I feel like I’m finally getting in my rhythm, every week. I’ve just got to stay focused, keep practicing hard during the week and just keeping being a student of the game.”
In each of his last three games, dating back to the Holiday Bowl, Foster has set a new career-high in rushing.
But again, it’s not just because of him.
“Whatever I get, it’s a compliment to (the offensive line), and they know that. They know every time I get the ball it’s on them, too as well,” said Foster, who has four 100+ yard rushing performances in his last five games after zero such showings in his previous 24 games.
“I always just try to praise my O-line. Those guys are my boys.”
