Illinois 2016 OL Sean Foster Talks Commitment to Iowa State

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

When a new coaching staff comes into any football program there is always a certain amount of buzz centered on the new coach. The watercooler talk normally is divided down the line between the fans in early support of the new coach, some holding onto the old staff, and those wishing for a different hire.

The buzz around Iowa State’s new head coach, Matt Campbell, has been different and all positive since his hire on Nov. 29. The 36-year-old his coming off a successful stint at Toledo leaving the program with a .762 winning percentage and two co-MAC West Division titles after four seasons.

The air of positive change with ISU has already taken hold with recruiting. Campbell has done something that has been a rarity in Ames, landed a 4-star recruit. The last 4-star recruit the Cyclones brought in was in-state Urbandale talent Allen Lazard in the 2014 class, and he was the only one in that class. Lazard has been a success story for ISU leading the team in receptions (56), yards (808), and receiving touchdowns (6) in 2015. The next of what could be many highly ranked recruits headed to Iowa State is Illinois offensive lineman Sean Foster.

Foster (6’8”, 295) was a beast in the trenches for Carmel Catholic. The Mundelein area talent racked up some impressive offers from Boston College, Cal, Duke, Iowa State, Kentucky, Maryland, Minnesota, N.C. State, Northern Illinois, Rutgers, Virginia Tech, Toledo, Syracuse, Purdue, and Indiana, among others, before verbally committing to the Cyclones Tuesday night.

In a Recruiting News Guru interview, I caught up with Foster after his commitment to Iowa State to get his thoughts on the Cyclones program and why he picked ISU over other suitors.

Interview

Sean, I know you were on the fence about committing last night. What influenced you to commit when all was said and done?

“Just talking to my family. It was one of those things where its family first. I always make my decisions on family making sure they feel good. I needed my mom’s approval. I had an in-home visit with Coach (Tom) Manning (offensive coordinator/offensive line coach) and Coach (Jim) Hofher (passing game coordinator). When I visited Iowa State, my mom did not get to go up there nor my brother. They were huge in my decision to commit to Iowa State. They gave me the approval. I felt that it was right, so I committed.”

How did the commitment take place?

“I called Coach Campbell.”

What was Coach Campbell’s response?

“He was extremely excited. It is really hard to describe how he reacted. He was super excited. He told me he wanted me to be a contributor to the program right away. Coach Manning was yelling and everyone was just really excited.”

What were your thoughts at that moment when you verbally committed?

“It was more excited relief. Committing to Iowa State is very exciting for me and my family. Iowa State is where I want to be for the next four years. I’m happy that my recruiting is officially over. All I have to do is sign and prepare to report in June.”

Do you plan on recruiting other players to join you?

“Yes. I’ve been texting with some of the recruits today trying to get them to join me. I’m trying to get (center) Trystan (Castillo – Webb City, MO) to come and join us. Our class will be a great one. The coaches are big on finishing strong and I think we will finish strong. I believe this will be one of the best classes at ISU ever. Hopefully we get all of them. If not, I’m happy for them wherever they may go.”

A fellow Illinois offensive lineman, Erik Swenson, is now available after Michigan pulled his offer today? Are you going to reach out to him?

“I’d have to talk to Coach Manning first. If there is room, I’d love to have him. I’d have to talk to Coach Manning first, figure out if he wants me to talk to him. I’ve known Erik since we were real little.”

How did you celebrate your commitment?

“Honestly, I did homework. I had a test to study for.”

When will you celebrate your commitment and how will you celebrate it?

“Will go out to dinner this weekend to celebrate it.”

Sean, again, congratulations on your commitment to Iowa State.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: Foster family; Sean at Iowa State.

Photo credit: recruitingnewsguru.com; Sean Foster at the Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl.