Photo by Amy Smotherman Burgess
Tennessee tailback Arian Foster, right, stretches during warm-ups to start the first day of practice in full uniform. Foster, who is closing in on the Vols’ rushing record, has impressed his coaches by wanting to know all aspects of the game.
Video
University of Tennesee tailback Montario Hardesty talks about his summer working for Calhoun's and getting into shape for the upcoming season. His secret? "If you look good, you play good." Watch »
Dave Hooker audio:
- Dave Clawson discusses the challenges of installing his offensive at UT
- Larry Slade talks about CB Brent Vinson’s suspension and preseason expectations
- Dave Hooker interviews DT coach Dan Brooks
- Arian Foster talks about preseason camp and the upcoming season
- DE coach Steve Caldwell talks about UT’s tight ends headed into the UCLA game
- Chris Walker talks about playing defensive tackle and coming off a groin injury
- TE coach Jason Michael talks about Brandon Warren
- Brandon Warren talks about being back on the field and playing for UT
- Vladimir Richard talks about UT’s offensive line rotation
- Jacques McClendon talks about UT’s play at offensive guard
Whether it's in the classroom studying Plato and Aristotle or in the film room studying an opposing defense, Arian Foster doesn't just want to know what.
He wants to know why.
That simple question - and all the answers that come with it - is one of the reasons the senior has become one of the most versatile tailbacks in Tennessee history.
"I don't know where it comes from," Foster said. "I'm a philosophy major, so I like to critique everything and analyze everything and just kind of know everything. I think it gives you a better understanding of why you're doing what you're doing instead of just what you're doing."
All Foster did in 2007 was prove his versatility in a big way.
His 1,650 total yards last season rank behind only Reggie Cobb's 1987 total of 1,721 in school history.
Though it's probably no secret by now that Foster needs 684 yards to pass Travis Henry as the Vols' all-time leading rusher, but he'll move into fourth place on UT's career all-purpose yardage list with just 33 yards in Monday's season-opener at UCLA (TV: ESPN, 8 p.m.).
And Foster's 576 career yards receiving, 340 of which came last season, is tops among the seven other tailbacks in UT's top 15 for all-purpose yardage.
That versatility as a rusher, receiver and blocker is a source of pride for Foster.
"I've made it a major point to make all the facets of my game as good as I can possibly make them," he said. "Just become a complete back and play this game the way it's supposed to be played."
Tennessee running backs coach Stan Drayton knew about Foster's versatility from his time as Florida's running backs coach. What he didn't realize until he arrived in Knoxville this offseason is how much Foster knows about the game.
"The thing that impresses me the most is how smart he is, how smart of a football player he is," Drayton said. "Most players get out there and his body either has to take him through it to learn it or he has to visually see it to learn it."
Not Foster.
He can handle the what; he wants to know the why. And his desire to understand UT's offense doesn't stop with his position or even his side of the ball, Drayton says.
"He learns like a football coach," Drayton said. "He needs to know exactly what the receivers are doing, who they're blocking. He needs to know what the offensive line is doing. He needs to understand what the coordinator is thinking when he calls the play. Once he has all that, he's good to go."
Foster, who has played for three different offensive coordinators in his five years at UT, doesn't know any other way to approach it.
"I try to pride myself in knowing the game, the game's ins and outs, knowing the chess match that's going on, knowing why they're calling this defense and why they're calling this offense," Foster said. "I think it's imperative."
For UT's coaches, it's invaluable.
Drayton says because of Foster's knowledge of the game, his tailback can provide a view they don't get from the press box or sideline.
"You've got a player out there who sees it all and understands it and can come back and give you some good information as to what's going on out there," Drayton said. "You can make the adjustment and keep the pace rolling. That's a huge advantage to me, and I've had that only one other time in my career and that was with (Philadelphia Eagles Pro Bowl running back) Brian Westbrook (at Villanova). He was cerebral like that."
Drayton, who spent three seasons as an assistant coach with the Green Bay Packers, said once NFL scouts pick up on those qualities, Foster will be "a hot commodity" in next year's draft.
Still, there's one situation where Foster won't ask questions.
If a play doesn't work, don't expect Foster grab the phone from the sideline to the press box or corner a coach on the sideline about the choice of plays.
"I've never done that," Foster said, laughing. "It's a chess match, and we're pawns, rooks and knights. We have to execute the play that's called and trust our coaching staff. That's why they get paid the money they get paid."
Drew Edwards covers University of Tennessee football. He may be reached at 865-342-6274.
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Comments » 111
Ironcity writes:
I expect a big game from Foster on Monday
RockyTop31174 writes:
2nd - Dang!
1manningfan writes:
Thanks Foster, for all your hard work and representing UT. Now go out there this year and have a heisman type season.
I WILL GIVE IT MY ALL FOR TENNESSEE TODAY!!!
Alumni_06 writes:
This should be his best year yet
RockyTop31174 writes:
Hey 1manningfan - The sign is "I WILL GIVE MY ALL FOR TENNESSEE TODAY" not "GIVE IT" just don't want people giving ya a hard time over "IT"
smokeysal22 writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
MrBamSeydu writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Musicman74 writes:
I want to see Foster gain 2,000 yards this year. That would be great.
GO BIG ORANGE!!!
txvolsfan writes:
I'll have to give Randy Sanders credit he found a gem in Arian. He had become a great Volunteer
I can't wait till Mon.
GO VOLS!!!
BEAT THE LITTLE BEARS
VolFanInAtl writes:
How's the knee Foster?
KnoxVol_in_TX writes:
Glad to see the supporters out here. I've gifted two #27 jerseys to my nephews, and own one myself. I have always considered him among my favorite Volunteers. Arian really is an impressive guy and I hope he shows the doubters what's what.
DennisVols writes:
Foster will have his 1st 100 yard rushing game this year on Monday night in the Rose Bowl.
Foster is a class act in a sport that has been rocked over the last couple of years with stories about talented players who made the choice to break the law and embarress their team and themselves.
Thank you Foster for carrying the UT banner high and being the kind of representitive for the university that we are all proud of.
1manningfan writes:
Years ago i was shopping for a UT jersey and i was deciding between Ainge and Foster. I chose Foster's (orange) jersey over Ainge b/c for some reason i new Arian was going to be alot better player and succesful than Ainge. Its just funny to me b/c i look back and it seems i made the right choice.
P.S. Goodluck Arian have a wonderful senior season! Thanks for all the highlights and representing UT.
PreventUT writes:
"Arian Foster sounds like Al Wilson a bit...in the fact that he's a player/leader/student. "
Enough with the Al Wilson, Leonard Little-type comparisons!
Uh, the guy reminds me of John Henderson because, well, because he's a 6'7" DT and goes to class.
Nothing personal VolnDothan. Everywhere I look people on here are making these far out comparisons...like Crompton to Tebow, why? cuz he can scramble a bit.
vol4good#206163 writes:
Wow! Cant believe it's almost Football Time in Tennessee! My mind is spinning and the air seems a little chilly here in Tennessee. Give em hell boys! GO VOLS!
Moaninglikeheck writes:
Foster really has been very very underrated. Last years numbers are impressive especially given that Cutcliff was dinking and dunking all over the place. I look forward to seeing Foster break the school record.
BigOrangeVol writes:
Arian would already be the all-time rushing leader at UT if he had a full season in '06. Had he been healthy for the Marshall & Memphis State games (and Coker had been sent back to Antioch when he should have been), Arian would have at least 3,100 yards rushing right now and probably 750 yards receiving.
If Super Dave really wants to get the ball to his weapons then Arian gets 290 carries for 1,400 yards and 15 TD's on the ground along with 65 receptions for 600 yards and 5 TD's in the air this season making him the first RB taken in the draft and at least second in the Hypeman Trophy race. He will surpass Frank Zappa as the most famous Mission Bay High School Buccaneer of all time!!! These are the predictions of The Great Swami BOV. :-)
PreventUT writes:
Arian Foster - the 1st RB selected or a 1st round draft pick...I think not!!!!! But he's been a good college back.
GatorHater326 writes:
The season is upon us gentlemen, and as such the predictions are coming out. Predictions much like opinions are only as good as their outcomes, and this year will be no different. Tennessee has enough questions at QB and on defense to either surprise with greatness or disappoint with mediocrity. Which one it will be will be determined on a week to week basis, but a few things are certain. The Tennessee defensive backfield will be spectacular with some of the best athletes to ever don the Orange and White making mind blowing interceptions and mind numbing slobber knocking hits. The Offense will be refreshing with a solid strong quarterback at the helm and a newly revamped offensive scheme it will be like no other offense TN fans have seen in quite some time. Mr. Crompton will have his share of mistakes, but after years of watching conservative quick to throw Eric Ainge (not taking away from Ainge's all time passing record) it will be mistakes most fans can live with in exchange for some excitement. The defensive front will be a question mark as us fans will look to see if it will be the same lame excuse for a defensive push as last year, or if McCoy and Co. finally show the will and want to needed to dominate on the field. Skeptics will reign supreme unless these young men step up. Our running game will hinge on their efforts, but should be padded by a stable of running backs enviable to almost every team in the nation. Consistency, Intensity, Desire, and above all else HEART are the keys to an awe inspiring season. Regardless of the outcome we are Volunteer Football fans one and all, and we will be till the end. GO VOLS!!!!!
GatorHater326 writes:
The season is upon us gentlemen, and as such the predictions are coming out. Predictions much like opinions are only as good as their outcomes, and this year will be no different. Tennessee has enough questions at QB and on defense to either surprise with greatness or disappoint with mediocrity. Which one it will be will be determined on a week to week basis, but a few things are certain. The Tennessee defensive backfield will be spectacular with some of the best athletes to ever don the Orange and White making mind blowing interceptions and mind numbing slobber knocking hits. The Offense will be refreshing with a solid strong quarterback at the helm and a newly revamped offensive scheme it will be like no other offense TN fans have seen in quite some time. Mr. Crompton will have his share of mistakes, but after years of watching conservative quick to throw Eric Ainge (not taking away from Ainge's all time passing record) it will be mistakes most fans can live with in exchange for some excitement. The defensive front will be a question mark as us fans will look to see if it will be the same lame excuse for a defensive push as last year, or if McCoy and Co. finally show the will and want to needed to dominate on the field. Skeptics will reign supreme unless these young men step up. Our running game will hinge on their efforts, but should be padded by a stable of running backs enviable to almost every team in the nation. Consistency, Intensity, Desire, and above all else HEART are the keys to an awe inspiring season. Regardless of the outcome we are Volunteer Football fans one and all, and we will be till the end. GO VOLS!!!!!
GatorHater326 writes:
Just wanted to make sure that sank in!! GO VOLS!!! BEAT EM ALL FROM UCLA TO BAMA TO FLORIDA and especially Georgia... I'm down here in pup country in Dahlonega Ga at PT school and this #1 preseason ranking talk is getting old... I hope Ga. Southern pulls an upset but if not I hope Ga blacks it out for TN and we wear all orange down here making it the Halloween bowl... put another dog in the ground.
pdb73216#339474 writes:
Well said GatorHator, I live in Ga too. Im so sick and tired of hearing about this #1 ranking. Go Vols!!!!!!! Take one game at a time and show the whole world what your made of!!!!
hueypilot writes:
Last season at crucial times in big games, Arian Foster was the weapon Ainge usually relied on, mostly as a receiver coming out of the backfield. I look for a stellar year out of AF this year. Just needs to stay healthy and I think he'll star.
gnm53108 writes:
G.Hater..dont worry about them dawgs.Chavis has them figured out.The VOLS will crush em again.
And sorry,I just couldnt bring myself to spell your first name.
GO VOLS!
pdb73216#339474 writes:
gnm53108, hope you right. I kinda thought Cutcliff had their number too.
gnm53108 writes:
Agree hueypilot.
Depends on the O-line.Good,great,or staller year is going to depend on the big boys.
It will also help to have a healthy Hardesty to be able to give him a rest.
I really need something cold and frost brewed.
GO VOLS!
gnm53108 writes:
pdb73216..Cutcliff could score a few against them but our D destroyed em.
I dont think anybody,once chavis has a oc figured out,has gotten over it.It may take the Chief a few tries but when he figures you out...You are done.
BigOrangeVol writes:
Hater are you with the 5th RTB at Merrill?
BigOrangeVol writes:
Or would that be at NGC&SU PT School?
gobigorange writes:
36th--dang it
nicksjuzunk#646117 writes:
How on earth this man goes unappreciated is lost on me!! He has been solid and has come back to finish it off right!!
Manningfan, but the best is recycling those jerseys. My Jayson Swain jersey just became my Brandon Warren jersey! In between, it was a spotted ape... I think, never really saw it.
chrisw2967 writes:
I am down here at Ft stewart Ga and I have to deal with these idiot dog fans and from the way they brag one would think the season was over and they are already crowned. pretty rude bunch of people down here but they talk alot about how they beat those Gators last year and I talk alot about how we beat those puppies for the last 2 years
NOLAvol writes:
Dang!
Foster sounds like the kind of player the New England Patriots will want to draft. I hate the Pats! Last year, Mayo... next year, Foster...
Dang!
miamiVOL writes:
Arian had a huge game last time in NoCal, I cant wait for the huge game he will have in front of his SoCal buddies, HE needs to establish us early, i want 150 rushing, 45 receiving, 2 touchdownsssssssss, and a few pancake blocks to boot
SemperVol writes:
-1manningfan 10:09-
Sounds like you have some sort of voodoo ability when you pick out a UT jersey. By all means head to Sports Seasons and find you a Crompton, Warren, and every Defensive Line jersey they have!
-RichRollin 10:01-
I notice that Kosmo gets a comment ripped from these boards at least once or twice a day. He must be postin some pretty rank stuff.
I think you're right about the animosity towards the California schools. Let's hope it translates into a big game.
FREE GERALD WILLIAMS (WORKED FOR WARREN)
SemperVol writes:
You guys have to check out the stadium renovations:
http://www.utsports.com/sports/m-foot...
Now I know that the east concourse where much of the away fans and students enter still looks like a cave and smells like a toilet, but what they've done with the locker rooms, west concourse, media rooms, and other rooms is simply amazing.
I know many of us will never see the locker rooms or media rooms, but this is simply world class.
Click on Photo Gallery in the top left, beautiful.
Moaninglikeheck writes:
http://www.athlonsports.com/college-f...
Some seem to think he's got a Heisman shot.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
Dear Mr. Foster,
If you become a coach, there is a short book that many successful coaches adhere to.
Block and Tackle 101
Good Luck,
Gen Neyland
GoVol writes:
Let's go Foster...no fumbles and run North & South....hard, no dancing!
Jamey1210 writes:
http://timesfreepress.com/news/2008/a...
Great article on Eric Berry from the Chattanooga New Paper. Real good read.
mattlock writes:
Remember, Clawson coached Brian Westbrook, so we know he can do great things with a receiving back out of the backfield. I think this will be a great year for Foster, and I think he will catch more than one wheel route this year. He should get some Heisman talk, at least early on if he has great games against UCLA and UAB.
CheckerboardPhilosopher writes:
Why Tennessee wins
http://3rdsaturdayinblogtober.wordpre...
Why Tennessee loses
http://3rdsaturdayinblogtober.wordpre...
Enjoy! Go Vols!
Greyback_Vol writes:
Semper-
Wow, what they have done with the stadium is amazing. I can't wait to see what it looks like when everything is complete. That place is going to look like a palace!
Early on I expect the offense to go as Foster goes. Crompton will be fine I think, but if Foster has some bad games early on I expect the offense to sputter.
ctownvol writes:
I took the rest of this week off along with Tuesday. I started hitting the bottle 10 minutes ago. I'm bringing in football season in style. Some of my posts from here on out could be rather incoherent. Just stick with me boys.
Now on to the subject at hand. I can see Foster with 110-125 yards rushing against UCLA with at least 40 yards receiving. Anybody wanna drink to that? Prediction: UT-31 UCLA-10
APPLEJAX555 writes:
Hola amigos!
Its been a while since Ive harped at ya, but Ive been major busy lately. Reading thru some of the comments here leaves me kind of antsy, if not down right anxious about the season. Well fret no more, cause I have a hard and fast rule... When its times like these I turn to the thing that for an avid reader goes down like a nice Miller High Life after a warm egg sandwich, then a nice snooze in the hammock under the shade tree. The thing Im talking about friends is "Ask Griff".
thesavageorange writes:
I posted an article by Chris Low yesterday regarding the Gerald Williams situation.Low dug a little deeper yesterday and this is what he found out.
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/sec/0-1-25...
This is ridiculous.I'm not a conspiracy theorist, but it seems like someone in the SEC office wants to make things hard on Tennessee and their student athletes.
tnbanker_govols writes:
The mind of a coach is great but please, let's have the hands of a quality running back and not fumble this year. GO VOLS!!!!
auttat writes:
I was about to post the same thing savage. I mean, why the hold up? Either the course he took satisfies the SEC mandate or it doesn't. This is f-ing ridiculous. The season starts tomorrow for the SEC. Just make a damn ruling.
Interesting that it's just the math course, too. What was different about it from the english class?
BigOrangeVol writes:
Rock of the Marne! Chris keep those midget puppy fans in line with your 3rd I buddies.
auttat writes:
And, why could he practice before last Friday, and now he can't practice? Does anybody at the KNS talk to the freakin athletic dept.? SH!& everybody on here wants to know what is going on, but the KNS refuses to inquire about it.
But, hey, thanks for keeping us updated on Clemson's DC's stupid a-- comments and how great Woolridge and Negadu are getting along. We appreciate it guys.
This site wins awards because of people like savage who actually post informative things. The articles do not draw the crowd!!
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