Oregon daily emerald., September 22, 2000, Page 21, Image 20

courtesy of UCLA Media Services
Junior tailback DeShaun Foster is back from an injury-plagued 1999 season and returns
as one of the most-feared athletes at his position in the Pac-10 and the nation.
Dude, what a rush
■The Bruins are banking on
tailback DeShaun Foster to be
their main ground weapon
By Adam Jude
Oregon Daily Emerald
For DeShaun Foster, the second
time around is proving to be even
sweeter.
The UCLA tailback, sidelined for
most of the 1999 season with a high
ankle sprain, is hoping to surpass
the numbers of his glorious fresh
man season and again help his
team to the Rose Bowl,
With some impressive numbers
in the three preseason games this
year, the 6-foot-1, 217-pound junior
has established himself as one of
the best backs in the Pacific-10
Conference.
“Foster is just a great tailback,”
UCLA head coach Bob Toledo said.
“He’s one of the best in the country.
He’s fast, physical; he can catch and
break tackles.”
A school record-tying 42 carries
in the season opener versus then
No. 3 Alabama led to 187 yards and
three touchdowns for Foster. On
the season, he’s averaging more
than 140 yards per game and has a
team-high six touchdowns.
If Oregon’s run defense has a re
occurrence of its time in Madison,
Wis., — when the Badgers’ Michael
Bennett had three huge runs and
290 rushing yards — then Foster
may have a career day at Autzen
Stadium.
“DeShaun is a good running
back,” Oregon defensive end Saul
Patu said. “I’ve gone against tons of
good running backs throughout my
career here, and I’m just going to
have to play my game and not wor
ry too much about what he’s do
ing.”
Collegiately, Foster has netted
1470 yards and 22 touchdowns. He
was a first-team Freshman All
American two years ago when he
rushed for 673 yards and tallied 12
touchdowns, both UCLA records
for a true freshman.
Foster is also able to perform in
the clutch, as was evident in last
week’s win against Michigan. The
Wolverines held the UCLA star to
just 12 yards in the first half, but
that didn’t hamper his confidence.
To open the second half, Foster fin
ished off a Bruin drive with a five
yard touchdown run and rushed
for 95 yards in the game.
He knows how important the
preseason was in helping his team
shed the negative image last sea
son’s dismal 4-7 record left behind.
“We’re getting back on track,”
Foster said. “We just wanted to earn
some respect. People were count
ing us out, and we just want to play
hard and show them that the Bru
ins are back.”
When speaking of goals this sea
son, Foster keeps his personal ac
complishments aside and focuses
on the team’s dream of a national
championship.
“I just want to win and stay in
jury free,” Foster said. “We’re feel
ing really good as a team. The offen
sive line is getting it done, and the
defense is doing a great job of mak
ing plays in key situations.”
Foster said that much of his early
success this year is because his of
fensive line is also healthy. He be
lieves he is getting close to regain
ing his freshman form — the year
the Bruins finished 10-2 at the Rose
Bowl.
“Nothing is going to come easy,”
Foster said. “I just want to play my
game, run hard and see where that
takes me.”
for the Emerald
■fill HI
,'iliili .iii" %%!*■
For more information
about freelancing for the
Oregon Daily Emerald
call 346-5511.
All Ways Travel
• Specials •
London - $450.00*
Paris - $490.00*
Frankfurt -$499.00*
San Jose, CR -$555.00*
Sao Palo -$725.00*
*tax not included, restrictions may apply.
Subject to change without notice.
E-mail: awt@luv2travel.com
Innovative Latin style meals
Handmade, from mild to wild!
Vegetarian and vegan alternatives
1 CAF6 NAVARRO
454 Willamette Street 344-0943
PROUD OF OUR DUCKS!
15% OFF ENTIRE BILL!
Mon-Fri: 7:00-8:00 & 3:00-4:00
Marionberry French Toast • Four Benedicts • Morning Star
Seared Ahi Sandwich • Tasty Tofu and Tempeh Dishes
Black Bean Ravioli • Salads • Four Homemade Soups
1473 E. 1 9th STREET (19TH & AGATE) • EUGENE • 342-8596
....
010051
21iclg/lnnual Oregonjioi 1 leconling
October 20, 2000, 8:30 pm
tM'U Ballroo m
Tickets will go on sale Wednesday, September 27
at The Break in the EMU