Photo by: Kelly Gorham
Foster Plugs Hole in Middle of Defense
9/21/2013 3:50:00 PM | Football
Houston transplant enjoying life in middle of Bobcat defense
While the most dramatic moment of the tidal wave of injuries that washed through the Bobcat football program came on the final play of the team's loss at SMU two weeks ago, when quarterback DeNarius McGhee and possibly receiver Tanner Roderick suffered injuries that will keep each sidelined for several weeks, the flood started last spring in Great Falls.
That's when starting middle linebacker Na'a Moeakiola suffered a shoulder injury that eventually cost him the 2013 season. And while the panic among those outside the Bobcat program was palpable, the mood inside among coaches and players was considerably calmer. That was due solely to the presence of a guy who, himself, is calm most of the time."
"We knew Mike was ready because of his considerable experience on special teams over the last two years," Bobcat coach Rob Ash said. "He has transferred that experience into very consistent play, and that has been a very positive development for us this season."
The junior linebacker from the Houston area transitioned into the starting middle linebacker spot the way he does most everything, with stylish efficiency and high effectiveness. "He has been very capable calling the defensive signals and getting the front set properly," Ash said. "He has played like a veteran, decisively and aggressively with no signs of hesitation or uncertainty."
That is a metaphor for how Foster has tackled the last several years of his life, moving from his native Iowa – he was a ball boy for Ash's Drake teams as a youngster - to Houston, then moving north and west to become a Bobcat. Foster said returning to within a few hours of his high school.
"Not really," he said of having special emotions playing close to his most recent hometown. "You travel all over the place, and I don't think I've ever even been to SFA's stadium. It's always great to play in front of family, and my little brother's going to be there, I know he looks up to me, so I want to play good for him. But like we say on defense, just put the ball down and we're going to play, it doesn't matter where."
"There's a difference," he said. "Knowing where to go is one thing, but in the flow of the game it's definitely different. Seeing yourself progress, seeing yourself make reads that you can't do (in practice), seeing yourself finish plays. It's exciting to see myself make progress like that."
Foster has played solid football in his first three weeks as a Bobcat starter, with 17 tackles and a pass breakup. He and his mates play Stephen F. Austin Saturday at 5 pm MT in Nacogdoches, Tex.
That's when starting middle linebacker Na'a Moeakiola suffered a shoulder injury that eventually cost him the 2013 season. And while the panic among those outside the Bobcat program was palpable, the mood inside among coaches and players was considerably calmer. That was due solely to the presence of a guy who, himself, is calm most of the time."
"We knew Mike was ready because of his considerable experience on special teams over the last two years," Bobcat coach Rob Ash said. "He has transferred that experience into very consistent play, and that has been a very positive development for us this season."
The junior linebacker from the Houston area transitioned into the starting middle linebacker spot the way he does most everything, with stylish efficiency and high effectiveness. "He has been very capable calling the defensive signals and getting the front set properly," Ash said. "He has played like a veteran, decisively and aggressively with no signs of hesitation or uncertainty."
That is a metaphor for how Foster has tackled the last several years of his life, moving from his native Iowa – he was a ball boy for Ash's Drake teams as a youngster - to Houston, then moving north and west to become a Bobcat. Foster said returning to within a few hours of his high school.
"Not really," he said of having special emotions playing close to his most recent hometown. "You travel all over the place, and I don't think I've ever even been to SFA's stadium. It's always great to play in front of family, and my little brother's going to be there, I know he looks up to me, so I want to play good for him. But like we say on defense, just put the ball down and we're going to play, it doesn't matter where."
"There's a difference," he said. "Knowing where to go is one thing, but in the flow of the game it's definitely different. Seeing yourself progress, seeing yourself make reads that you can't do (in practice), seeing yourself finish plays. It's exciting to see myself make progress like that."
Foster has played solid football in his first three weeks as a Bobcat starter, with 17 tackles and a pass breakup. He and his mates play Stephen F. Austin Saturday at 5 pm MT in Nacogdoches, Tex.
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