He now expects to reach his full potential.
While Alabama fans encountered some jaw-dropping moments from wide receivers Calvin Ridley, Jerry Jeudy and T.J. Simmons on A-Day last week, a familiar face that’s been through adversity now anticipates a fruitful season in the fall. Redshirt senior Robert Foster is back and this time, he’s playing like the five-star specimen the Crimson Tide signed in its 2013 class.
Foster returned to having fun inside Bryant-Denny Stadium as the vertical threat made life rough for defensive back, Trevon Diggs. Sophomore quarterback Jalen Hurts found the 6’2″ and 196-pound target twice for 115 receiving yards, including a 65-yard touchdown strike along the right sideline.
65-Yard Touchdown @JalenHurts To Robert Foster #ADay2017 #Espn pic.twitter.com/F7CMOvx9hz
— BamaVideo (@BamaVideo_) April 22, 2017
Reminiscent of prior spring games and the start of the 2015 season, Foster displayed speed, balance and body control in stacking on top of a defender and elevating to get the football. Throughout spring ball, he worked on both his speed and strength – 4.47 40-time, 355-pound bench – while embracing the coaching of co-offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach, Michael Locksley. Even though Tide’s head coach Nick Saban stated the team wants Foster to develop a role, it means a lot more when teammates discuss how much you are needed.
“It is really good to have him (Robert Foster) back and healthy,” Miller Forristall said.
“He is so much fun to watch and he can move. He’s very fun to play with.”
Somebody worked on his deep ball in the off season #ADay2017 pic.twitter.com/tR7oRBwnY3
— BamaVideo (@BamaVideo_) April 22, 2017
Following his performance, Foster was one of seven players to earn the Bart Starr Most Improved Player Award. With Foster re-energized, it will be excruciatingly painful to watch defensive coordinators create schemes to try and limit him, Ridley, Jeudy, Simmons and Cam Sims. An improved deep ball from Hurts makes this Alabama offense lethal under Brian Daboll heading into next season.
Stephen M. Smith is a managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @Smsmith_TDALMag.
