Foster chooses ASU, will others follow?

If Friday morning is any indication, the dark cloud which has hovered over the Arizona State football program may soon be lifting. 

Scottsdale Saguaro running back D.J. Foster is staying home. The four-star recruit announced he will continue his playing career in Tempe, choosing ASU over USC and Cal, among others.

“It was crazy,” Foster told Brad Cesmat on “Big Guy on Sports” moments after making his decision. “There are so many good programs out there….but it was an easy decision when it came down to it. I want to stay home.”

Foster immediately becomes the jewel of new head coach Todd Graham’s first class, something which will appease critics who questioned if Graham and his staff, with few local ties, could keep some of the state’s top players.

Coming off a senior season which saw Foster score a state record 60 touchdowns, the Big School Player of the Year is happy the process is over.

“It was one of the hardest decisions of my life,” Foster explained to Cesmat. “But I feel like I made the right decision. I just have to [move] forward and go at it full speed.”

So now the big question is will Foster’s decision to stay in-state influence others to do the same this year and in the immediate future?

As the Valley has grown and the quality of high school improved, top-flight programs from around the country such as Auburn, Texas, and Arkansas have swept through and left with some of the state’s best.

Scottsdale Chaparral’s Davonte Neal, who remains undecided, had recent home visits from Ohio State and Notre Dame.

For now, the ASU coaching staff will continue to work to snag their next “big fish” with National Letter of Intent Day on Wednesday. 

Foster becomes the highest in-state recruit to sign with the Sun Devils since Seattle Seahawks tight end and former Desert Vista High standout Zach Miller in 2004.