Eric SorensonLife moves fast.
D.J. Foster vividly remembers the first time he touched the ball as a sophomore at Saguaro High School. He had little to no experience returning kicks but few could tell after receiving the kickoff against Copper Canyon and sprinting past a host of players to the end zone.
Now the former Arizona State star is hoping that touchdown seven years ago is a foreshadowing moment for what’s ahead as he awaits his name to be called at the NFL draft in just a few short weeks.
“It’s been unbelievable,” Foster told Sports360AZ.com in a recent in-studio sit down interview. “The process has gone by so fast. Those are things that you look at as a little kid–going to the Combine, seeing it on tv every year. To be able to live in the moment…I’ve enjoyed every second of it.”
Like most draft prospects, Foster has been busy since the Sun Devils’ season ended back in early January. Besides the Combine, there have been endless hours spent at the Fischer Performance Institute just down the road from Tempe, ASU’s Pro Day last month and handful of visits including the Cardinals, New England Patriots and Houston Texans.
Versatility has always been one of the speedy Foster’s greatest strengths but he’s hoping to show perspective teams he understands the film room just as much as the field.
“I wanted to show them I’m a student of the game,” Foster explained. “I have learned a lot over the last four years [at ASU]. I can talk football from a wideout perspective and a running back perspective.”
Overall the pre-draft process has gone fairly well but Foster has enjoyed some rare and much-needed down time over the past several days spending time with his family and girl friend here in the Valley.
Happy birthday to my partner in crime …We can cross hot air balloon off the list ✔️! Love u babygirl @CieraLiguori pic.twitter.com/sDQrMGKdne
— DJ Foster (@ASTATE_8) April 1, 2016
It’s no surprise the down-to-earth, level-headed Foster isn’t planning an extravagant draft party. He’ll be at home with his family and a few close friends waiting for the call from his future employer.
When Foster’s phone does ring on draft weekend time, for once, will stand still.
