For DeShaun Foster, the second time around is proving to be even sweeter.
The UCLA tailback, sidelined for most of the 1999 season with a high ankle sprain, is hoping to surpass the numbers of his glorious freshman season and again help his team to the Rose Bowl.
With some impressive numbers in the three preseason games this year, the 6-foot-1, 217-pound junior has established himself as one of the best backs in the Pacific-10 Conference.
“Foster is just a great tailback,” UCLA head coach Bob Toledo said. “He’s one of the best in the country. He’s fast, physical; he can catch and break tackles.”
A school record-tying 42 carries in the season opener versus then-No. 3 Alabama led to 187 yards and three touchdowns for Foster. On the season, he’s averaging more than 140 yards per game and has a team-high six touchdowns.
If Oregon’s run defense has a reoccurrence of its time in Madison, Wis., — when the Badgers’ Michael Bennett had three huge runs and 290 rushing yards — then Foster may have a career day at Autzen Stadium.
“DeShaun is a good running back,” Oregon defensive end Saul Patu said. “I’ve gone against tons of good running backs throughout my career here, and I’m just going to have to play my game and not worry too much about what he’s doing.”
Collegiately, Foster has netted 1470 yards and 22 touchdowns. He was a first-team Freshman All-American two years ago when he rushed for 673 yards and tallied 12 touchdowns, both UCLA records for a true freshman.
Foster is also able to perform in the clutch, as was evident in last week’s win against Michigan. The Wolverines held the UCLA star to just 12 yards in the first half, but that didn’t hamper his confidence. To open the second half, Foster finished off a Bruin drive with a five-yard touchdown run and rushed for 95 yards in the game.
He knows how important the preseason was in helping his team shed the negative image last season’s dismal 4-7 record left behind.
“We’re getting back on track,” Foster said. “We just wanted to earn some respect. People were counting us out, and we just want to play hard and show them that the Bruins are back.”
When speaking of goals this season, Foster keeps his personal accomplishments aside and focuses on the team’s dream of a national championship.
“I just want to win and stay injury free,” Foster said. “We’re feeling really good as a team. The offensive line is getting it done, and the defense is doing a great job of making plays in key situations.”
Foster said that much of his early success this year is because his offensive line is also healthy. He believes he is getting close to regaining his freshman form — the year the Bruins finished 10-2 at the Rose Bowl.
“Nothing is going to come easy,” Foster said. “I just want to play my game, run hard and see where that takes me.”