In his freshman year, ASU running back D.J. Foster ran for 493 yards and accounted for six total touchdowns.
The State Press caught up with the former Scottsdale Saguaro High School standout Friday at ASU’s mini media day to talk about his size coming into his sophomore year, sharing his role with senior running back Marion Grice and in-state recruiting.
The State Press: You look so much bigger than you did last season. How much weight did you gain?
D.J. Foster: I gained about 20 pounds and I feel like it’s a healthy 20 pounds. I was very light as a freshman. I feel like it’s nothing but healthy weight and I feel comfortable at the weight I’m at.
SP: With your increased weight, how will that change your game? Are you going to be able to be more physical between the tackles?
DF: I’ve always felt like I’ve had that physical running ability and I always ran like that no matter what weight I was at. I think it will just help me even more to just deliver the punishment more instead of taking it.
SP: You and Marion Grice are a great running back tandem, but where do you think you stack up compared to others in the Pac-12?
DF: I think we are the best. I’ve seen Marion’s potential and I don’t think anyone can judge because I don’t think they saw his full game last year because we had so many running backs. I know how he can play and I don’t think there’s a better duo in the Pac-12.
SP: How much would an improved receiving corps help open up the running game even more for you and Marion?
DF: It will open up a lot. Last year, you could focus more on the run game because we didn’t have as much threat outside. I feel like our coaches did a great job of recruiting and the guys that were here worked hard and they will be a big threat this year, which will help our offense.
SP: Do you feel like it’s going to be you and Marion getting the bulk of the touches this year?
DF: Most definitely and I think that needs to happen for this offense to be where it needs to be. (Redshirt junior running back) Deantre Lewis is still here too. I feel like a lot of people sleep on him and he’s a great athlete. We have so many threats, but personally I feel like Marion and I have to carry the load.
SP: You were one of the first local blue-chip recruits to stay home and go to ASU. Do you think you’ve spurred more Arizona prospects to come to Tempe?
DF: I don’t think I helped that much. It’s the record that attracts most players at the end of the day. I saw something different, but it’s the record that matters. The more wins we have, the more publicity and that’s going to attract the players. You can’t argue with that and that’s what will keep the in-state players coming.
SP: You’ve had a long offseason. How ready are you for camp and to get this season going?
DF: We’ve put in so much work and we are finally ready. I’m excited to go out there and see how much easier it is for me in my second year.
Reach the reporter at dsshapi1@asu.edu or on Twitter @Danny__Shapiro
