Alabama identifies two players that look to lead its receiving corps in 2015, O.J. Howard and Chris Black. Howard caught 17 passes for 260 yards in 2014, while Black put in 15 receptions for 188 yards in 11 games last season. Cam Sims and ArDarius Stewart will be in the mix as well. Both players earned field time in 2014, and showcased play making abilities.
Redshirt sophomore Robert Foster isn’t involved much in conversations, but he’s one player to look out for next season. He appeared in nine games last season, totaling 44 yards on six catches. The Pennsylvania native is a freak athlete at 6’3” and 191 pounds. Foster has progressed as a route runner, and possesses speed with body control. Consistency with his hands is the lone thing holding him back from seeing more playing time.
Crimson Tide fans saw a solid performance from Foster in Alabama’s 2014 A-Day game. He established chemistry with backup quarterback Cooper Bateman, catching four passes for 50 yards. His balance and body control proved critical, as he was able to tight rope the sideline on a few catches. Foster’s effort helped the White team defeat the Crimson team, 17-13.
He was one of the top wide receiver prospects nationally coming out of Central Valley High School. Foster was rated as a five-star recruit by 247 sports and Scout.com. He recorded 1,860 yards and 26 touchdowns on 107 catches in his career. His numbers as a running back were stellar, accounting for 1,374 yards and 15 rushing touchdowns.
Calvin Ridley and Daylon Charlot will join the team as freshmen this summer, but Foster is in the thick of the competition. His size and abilities make up his potential to be an explosive, vertical target. Alabama lacks big game experience at receiver with Amari Cooper, Christion Jones and DeAndrew White gone. Expect to see more of Foster in 2015, if he can improve his hands.
