Posted by TommyJack on January 8, 2008 at 5:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Stay, man. We need a good, strong, durable back. The NFL isn't going anywhere.

Posted by nicksjuzunk on January 8, 2008 at 5:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Right on Tommy Jack,

No offense, but I don't think he is ready. Next year, he could really help himself with a solid season!

Posted by kyle on January 8, 2008 at 5:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This guy is one year removed from being a disappointing sophomore who couldn't hang on to the football in the Penn State game. What makes him think he's ready for the NFL? If he runs faster than a 4.6 I'd be totally shocked. If he goes he'll get drafted in the 4th or 5th round, guaranteed.

Posted by GerryOP on January 8, 2008 at 5:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Not yet, dude. Take next year and create a real name for yourself. Have a good year, get some numbers, then move on. Help make '08 a great year for everyone.

Posted by flVol60 on January 8, 2008 at 5:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey, Arian say a prayer and may all go well for you either way

Posted by Kwitcherbellyachin on January 8, 2008 at 5:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"What makes him think he's ready for the NFL?"

I'd guess that he's basing his assumption on the grade he received from the NFL advisory board. Given the position he plays and the likelihood of injury, I don't think anyone could blame him for going pro.

Posted by Pullingguard on January 8, 2008 at 5:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

RB's positions for NFL draft are loaded, so hope
Arian makes a wise choice.. He is a good person, but personally I don't see him going in the 2nd round of this years draft. Just too many RB's to choose from... The players get projections about the draft and that sometimes is far from what happens... Good luck Arian whatever you do.,

Posted by orangebass on January 8, 2008 at 5:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

He could not start for about half of the sec teams and would be 3rd string at georgia or auburn...what nfl team will he play for ? 2nd round would be a miracle. he lost last years bowl game with a fumble, fumbled in this years fla game at the worst possible time and had it not been a lucky bounce back to one of our linemen he would have given away the south carolina game (and sec east) so if he can find an nfl team to pay him to choke, more power to him !!

Posted by glockjockey on January 8, 2008 at 6 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Take the money and run before you get hurt.

Posted by utwick on January 8, 2008 at 6:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Arian would benefit from another year of being a Vol. If he learns to turn it up field and avoid the east-west running, he could improve his stock with the NFL. He runs hard and shows potential. Maybe our new running back coach can help him out.

Posted by GiveHimSix1387 on January 8, 2008 at 6:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree he should stick around for another year. He will be a good asset to our team and should break Henry's record if he has the type of season I think he is capable of. He is a 3rd round draft pick at best. With a good year he could solidify a 2nd to 1st round draft pick. I do not agree that he would be 3rd string at Georgia and Auburn. I think everyone is forgetting the Freshmen year Foster had and he didn't even play the entire season. Foster makes breaking tackles look easy. I think hes a solid back and I would hate to have all of our cards on an injure prone Montario Hardesty and an unproven Lennon Creer. Foster come back to the Vols, we need you.

Posted by w on January 8, 2008 at 6:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I have loved Arian in the past but I do think Creer is the future (with Hardesty) along with either one of the younger guys stepping up or a big-time recruit coming on.

Posted by volntx on January 8, 2008 at 6:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I am sure he is a nice guy but......I would like to see a tailback that is a threat to take it to the house on every touch. Foster is not that guy. Maybe he could be a fullback,think a slower Shawn Bryson, then his stock would go way up.

Posted by FWBVol on January 8, 2008 at 6:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

orangebass, if Foster couldn't start for half the teams in the SEC, does that mean he could still start for the other six teams? Just wondering.

Posted by bigorangesob on January 8, 2008 at 6:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey Kyle you think you could out run him on the field, probably not so why don't you show the guy some support , yeah he's had his issues holding on to the ball but he's done a hell of lot for this program,I'd love to see you try to tackle him and watch him cleat marks all over your ass

Posted by jmatt62 on January 8, 2008 at 6:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Foster is a good back, but if he thinks he's shown enough to be in the NFL, he's crazy. He had a nice year, but why not come back and prove it wasn't a fluke to scouts. One also wonders, with all the "grades" recieved from the advisory board, how many 2nd round "grades" to they give to everyone who requests advice?? Sure seems like there are about 155 2nd round "grades" all over the country!

Posted by pdhuff on January 8, 2008 at 6:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

w 6:13. Nailed it. Can't blame Foster for going if he really is a 2nd rounder $$$$$$.

I'm a big Hardesty fan if he can stay healthy and Creer is pure speed. The 5'5" LSU runner drove OSU crazy with pure speed. Running back is not our greatest need.

Posted by Rok_Etop on January 8, 2008 at 6:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Call Peyton!! See what that extra year did for him. Not only is he an NFl superstar, but also a TN Legend. The money wiil be there later. Get degree, get the record books with your name on top, get an SEC ring, and perhaps BCS ring, and then take that 1st round money. 1 year of 1st round money will double 4th or 5th round money for 2 years. By the way, you just fell another spot with Ray Rice coming out today. The new OC will open it up for you. He looks like a run 1st guy!! Good Luck no Matter What. We love ya.

Posted by jmatt62 on January 8, 2008 at 6:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Mr. Huff, First of all, do you really think with all the RBs coming out this year Foster is 2nd round material? Put down the Orange colored glasses. He is a good player at best, not great. He has subpar speed and fumble issues(scouts don't forget) and some past run-ins with Knoxville's finest if memory serves. He has 5-7th round written all over him. Secondly, when has Hardesty ever, I mean EVER, stayed healthy. Please start thinking sensibly before you post. No offense, but those 2 comments .......

Posted by KnoxVol_in_TX on January 8, 2008 at 6:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I like Foster a lot. He has been huge for us in previous games. Sometimes his contributions dont jump off the stat page, but they are there.

Despite a couple key turnovers, he has been a mainstay of our offense this season (save the Bama game where we completely abandoned him). I say he would do well by himself and our team to come back for his senior year.

Posted by alfrizzle097 on January 8, 2008 at 6:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Foster has proven that he can do everything resonably well, including pass block. That is the part that everyone forgets. Your offensive line is the majority of the running battle. Where the individual back makes the difference is fighting for extra yards (check), blocking (check), and making the last guy miss (not so much). Foster would be a good addition to a team like Green Bay that doesn't run much any way.

Posted by ATLVOL1 on January 8, 2008 at 7:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Make room for Montario!

Posted by AppStVol on January 8, 2008 at 7:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

KnoxVol in TX

I agree with you. Foster has been a gamer for us many times in his career. I will never forget the fumble against Penn St. or the one he almost lost against South Carolina this past year, but I think that everyone will be suprised in what he runs at the combine, he's the type of runner who kinda glides down the field.

Posted by rockytopron on January 8, 2008 at 7:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Two words... Lennon Creer

Posted by doctorvol on January 8, 2008 at 7:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

lots of backs in the draft. could do well to stay. I like him a lot, but don't think 2nd round is realistic this year.

Posted by DadwasaVol on January 8, 2008 at 7:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

alfrizzle097 is right - the man really pass blocks well. Not a coincidence that Tennessee led the nation in fewest sacks allowed. Foster doesn't get much credit on this board but NFL scouts will see that QB protection on film.

Posted by TommyJack on January 8, 2008 at 7:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Sorry, I only saw 9 games this year. What I DIDN'T see was much of Hardesty or Creel. What I DID see is Foster performing and taking a pounding week after week with essentially no back-up. When some of you find a guy to dog-out, you're relentless. Foster is a very serviceable back. Pro now? probably not, but give the guy a break...he carried the load.

Posted by ATLVOL1 on January 8, 2008 at 7:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Kudos on the pass blocking comments for Arian, he also sees holes well and gets in the open field arond the end more than his speed would typically allow. The NFL doesnt draft solid pass blocking backs with good vision though, they sign them as free agents if they dont run a 4.4/4.5 ... He wil play on Sundays one day tho I think, but It probably wont be through the first day in the draft

Hardesty has ran "downhill" since his first day here and is the closest thing to J Lewis I have seen since.... or when Riggs willed his way into the endzone at LSU right after Katrina in the 4th qtr...

Posted by rubbervol on January 8, 2008 at 7:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Go with your heart dude !
Thanks for helping us this year----awesome job.

Posted by jcherrie on January 8, 2008 at 8:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Tough one. Foster might be a real star if he stays. Jason Witten came out early and was only a 3rd round pick.

I'll never forgive the Eagles for drafting TE LJ Smith from Rutgers in round 2 and bypassing Witten. And they're staying home because of it.

Posted by abrown on January 8, 2008 at 8:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

He'd have to have a great combine to go that high. If he thinks that he's in tip top shape for the combine, then take a shot. But if not, he should add to his resume before making that move.

Posted by pdhuff on January 8, 2008 at 8:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

errrrr.....jmatt62. pls kindly read again. "if he is REALLY a 2nd rounder". See really! Was being nice, I think he's ACTUALLY not, I think he's REALLY a 4-5th rounder.

Thanks for the "orange colored glasses", that's original especially to someone who is not a Fulmerite. I'm sure TommyJack, tngeoff, Tdtn amd a few others got a chuckle out of that. After over 500 posts, I finally got a "orange glasses". You think that up all by yourself? Congrats.

And I said IF Hardesty could stay healthy (see that proved I knew he had problems) he would be a better back than Foster. You're not kin to 12times, are you? I thought for a moment my Lab had posted.

Anyway, all are welcome. Happy 2008.

Posted by TommyJack on January 8, 2008 at 8:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

PD: The man is obviously a newbie. He will learn that you are the Poet Laureate of this board.

Posted by ncvol17 on January 8, 2008 at 8:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

What is the minimum NFL salar? In the 300K range I think. Not bad $$ for being the worst player to stick with the team. And I think whe would be one of the worst...

If we ever get any coaches maybe we can recruit a few big, healthy backs or get another Charley Garner from the JUCO ranks.

Posted by GerryOP on January 8, 2008 at 8:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

pdhuff? Orange colored glasses? jmatt62, you jest.

pdhuff, when you are out celebrating the Vols accomplishment of being the highest ranked 4-loss-team, have a drink on me. Send me the check.

Posted by cltvol on January 8, 2008 at 8:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Decent runner, durable, can now hang onto ball - can't recall many fumbles this year,good pass blocker, well coached unlike some haters here think, good stiff armer, good heart - overcame some adversity with the club incident, good receiver. This guy could hang on as a produvtive nfl back if he keeps working. He will have a lot of support from ut and fans from now on. Best to him and all posters. Make us proud and keep expanding your life and network positively. Come back and cheer us on during bye weeks. Tell those youngsters to come to ut and work hard! It pays off!

Posted by mprip on January 8, 2008 at 8:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Will he be missed........? No, give some time & the ball to Creer and then maybe there will be room for Dennis Rogan to move into running back.....he is a much better offensive back than defense....What is scary is to compare Tenn committments for next year to LSU, FLA, Ala GA...looks like we are full of 3A with 2 4A (JC transfer & Douglas from Maryville) and the above schools are loaded with 5A & 4A rated high school committments....This is the future ?

Posted by tngeoff on January 8, 2008 at 8:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

pdhuff.

Or should I rewrite, "Mr. Huff."

Today we have snipers taking you, TommyJack, TouchdownTN, me, and many others on with brazen, albeit poorly aimed shots. I'm still shaking my head over this one. Better don kevlar bud. It's a dangerous evening and no one of us is safe out here. Whew. I could never have imagined someoen laying in wait for you my friend. Time to get the beagles out and let 'em patrol the perimiter.

Posted by pdhuff on January 8, 2008 at 8:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

GerryOp-TommyJack - Tks, I went out thru the rain to see if Earnhardt had tied into my old emachines steam powered again. Gotta watch that dog.

jmatt62, really son, you may have given Phil a heart murmur. As Fred Sanford said " Elizabeth, I'm coming, this is really the big one, I've crossed over and didn't know it".

Hmmmm, gotta practice.. naysayers, haters, nabobs, non-koolaide drinkers, find another team, must, repeat, must stay the course, warm and fuzzy, dont mention nine years, etc... I'll get better soon. Where are those charts?

Posted by tngeoff on January 8, 2008 at 9 p.m. (Suggest removal)

pdhuff.

jmatt62 rarely posts. In fact, only eight times since he registered in August. You sir must have struck a nerve with one of your seemingly typical pdhuff original and seemingly entertaining quips.

Posted by jmatt62 on January 8, 2008 at 9:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

PD (pretty dumb?), I guess you post with multiple prepositions (if), then when you're called to explain, you have an out! Brilliant. You should be a politician, or maybe you are. You say what you really mean, (see REALLY?), after your comments are critiqued and questioned. Nice. And you actually count your posts? Get a life, man. Have a good one, pal.

Posted by tngeoff on January 8, 2008 at 9:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

pdhuff.

Quantifiable evidence as to my post about "normal."

Posted by GerryOP on January 8, 2008 at 9:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Is it a full moon?

Posted by ATLVOL1 on January 8, 2008 at 9:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

stay the course mprip, Phil recruits his rear off in late January.

Posted by orangebass on January 8, 2008 at 9:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

FWBVol-certainly he might start for vandy, maybe ole miss probably even bama....in fact he might evn be a star carson newman or UT martin, but last time i checked they weren't the nfl. just FYI

Posted by vol4jesus on January 8, 2008 at 9:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

eVOLution it says your name is Erik Ainge. Is that so ? Or someone registered with our QB's name.

Posted by tngeoff on January 8, 2008 at 9:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

pdhuff.

It's kinda like this. Here's me and GerryOP and TommyJack just talkin' about stuff and we're looking over to where we think you are and suddenly and without warning jmatt62 strikes. This is the second strike caught on video:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=ONOuHMEaZH...

Posted by utmdm on January 8, 2008 at 9:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

PD, Step away from those orange glasses! What a chuckle I got from that.

Posted by Wilhelm16 on January 8, 2008 at 9:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

honestly unless he has a stellar combine(unlikely) he wont even get drafted (see santonio beard)

Posted by utmdm on January 8, 2008 at 9:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Oops, forgive my protocol - Mr. PD

Posted by leedsvol2007 on January 8, 2008 at 9:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I hope Foster stays. He is underrated a punishing runner, probably a good blocker, with soft hands and good vision.

What he appears to lack as runner is the 3rd gear to run away from secondary pursuers that Jamal Lewis, Chuck Webb, Travis Stephens, and Gerald Riggs possessed.

But in pro football they are looking for a guy that can make a 2 yarder a 4 yarder and occasionally break off a 20 yard run and can catch. Foster should be able to do that.

He still though has not completely cured his tendency to fumble. That will kill him in the pros. He needs another year to shake that problem.

I doubt he will be an early pick some team will try and steal him late so he won't get the big money.

If he has a big senior year the money might then be there. Unlike Mayo Foster would be better off staying.

And our offense will be better with him.

Posted by dvols on January 8, 2008 at 9:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

stay and be a linebacker!!!

Posted by abrown on January 8, 2008 at 10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

He's got a lot of tools and has matured well. His glide is kind of interesting and his acceleration is deceptive.. A guy that big needs to explode into the hole, though.

Posted by jmatt62 on January 8, 2008 at 10:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

utmdm, it was my pleasure. Glad to oblige, sir.

Posted by BigVolinCarolina on January 8, 2008 at 10:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Foster needs to stay but, if he chooses otherwise, I believe we'll be fine without him.

Good luck, Arian.

Posted by agentorange on January 8, 2008 at 10:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

fickle finger of fate...stay if you want or go. The Vols live on.

Posted by mparker on January 8, 2008 at 10:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

No offense to anyone, but if he goes in the first 3 rounds, that is about as good as he will ever do. He won't improve that much as a senior. he's a smart kid, runs/works hard, he'll make a good utinilty back in the nfl.

Posted by UTfan4life on January 8, 2008 at 11:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

ORANGEBASS AND to all UT fans out there
First i will comment on orangebass
When you say COULDNT START FOR 6 SEC teams that is obserd. I am not a big foster fan in any means but this strikes me as ridiculous. I will point out this to you bud, Foster doesnt fit in any of the offenses the SEC runs period. With a balanaced-pro style offense, it requires a brusing RB eg.Jamal Lewis.

Secondly i want to talk to all UT fans.

TENNESSEE'S OFFENSE DOES NOT REQUIRE A SPEED RUNNING BACK. SO STOP WATCHING THE SPREAD OFFENSES ON TV, AND STARE IN AMAZEMENT, THIS IS UT WE ARE TALKING ABOUT AND FOR ALL I CAN REMEMBER, WE HAVE NEVER CHANGED OUR OFFENSE SINCE FULMER. SO GET OVER IT

Posted by getridoffoolmer on January 8, 2008 at 11:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

let him gooo hardesty is a better back anyways!!!!! let him go and be a bust we dont need a fumble pron running back anyways

Posted by kdt0725 on January 9, 2008 at 12:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I remember when we had Ced and Gerald that Fulmer said Arian was our most gifted runner. Who care's if he's not as fast as some others. He would have rushed for over 1,000 his freshman year had he played in more games. He was hurt ALL season as a sophomore, and even before that Todd McShay said Arian would be a breakout star. This year he was great for us and didn't get over 1,000 by accident.Is he ready? Probably not. Who knows what his familys income scenario is. Sometimes people go pro because they have to, not because they want to. So come on and be human beings and wish him luck. He worked his ass off for us.

I'm so sick of people talking sh*t about our players when they go pro early. Not everyone is Peyton Manning and comes back because he can afford to, so stop expecting it. You all love them on Saturdays, but when they leave early you call them stupid or foolish or whatever. Some of you need to quit being so damn selfish.

Posted by britt on January 9, 2008 at 10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Id love to see him stay and be in a 2 back set with Monterio or Creer. Sort of a FB but more like USC with Bush and White a few years ago

Posted by TommyJack on January 9, 2008 at 10:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)

britt: 2 back set? what dat?

Posted by VOLstuckINky on January 9, 2008 at 11:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)

There are over 10 RB's that will be drafted before Foster. He's looking at round 6 to 7. Who the hell gives these NFL grades ....

Posted by jmatt62 on January 9, 2008 at 12:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

VolinKY, My question exactly! It seems every player who submitted paperwork to the NFL Advisory seemingly has recieved a 2nd round estimation. Makes one wonder if there are 72 picks in the 2nd round this April.

Posted by AlWilsonisGod on January 9, 2008 at 1:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I love the fact that these idiots posting on the message board really think they know more that the NFL advisory committee.

Foster should go pro and make his money. He can always go back to school. The risk of injury is too high.

Posted by UTfan4life on January 9, 2008 at 1:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

volstuckinky
You are wrong about 10 RB's ahead of Foster. He is already built body wise for the NFL. He is what many teams want in a back a big bruiser like Jamal Lewis or heck Ahman Green. Both lack Lewis and Green lack pure "speed" but they have both have had succesful careers. Lewis even rushed for 2000 yards in a season, and Green has had a 1800 yard season.

Posted by UTfan4life on January 9, 2008 at 1:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

excuse me for the mistype after "both"

Posted by jmatt62 on January 9, 2008 at 1:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey Big Al, Just trying to figure out how many 1st-2nd round picks there are. Every junior in the country says their evaluation is coming back with them being a pick in the top 63. Simple math says this is not right. And btw, the same committee said Jason Witten was a late 1st rounder a couple of years ago. Remember when he finally went??

Posted by anthony on January 9, 2008 at 2:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Ditto to TommyJack's quote!!!

Posted by Brama on January 9, 2008 at 2:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Stay in school you don't have 4.4 speed

Posted by CoastGuardVol on January 9, 2008 at 6:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Well I for one am keeping my fingers crossed for Arian to stay. He has progressed in his abilities no doubt about it. With a completely new offensive staff we need everyone that we can keep. Arian, If you go to the NFL you will be fine. Once a Vol always a Vol, so why not give your all for Tennessee one more year.

Posted by AlWilsonisGod on January 9, 2008 at 8 p.m. (Suggest removal)

So because they were wrong about Jason Witten, they have no credibility at all. In fact, they are so poor at their jobs that the nutjobs like us that post on these message boards are better qualified at advising student athletes on their pro prospects. Man, I didn't think I was that good.

Someone please list me the 10 running backs that will come before Foster. I am just a football novice, but I am having trouble coming up with them.

Foster is a big physical guy, good vision, who can block and has above average hands for an RB. No blazing speed, but I bet he is about the NFL average. Aside from Willie Parker, there are not that many speed demons toting the ball these days.

I will be extremely happy if he stays, but he should go if he is truly second round material.

Posted by jmatt62 on January 9, 2008 at 9:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Wow, settle down big Al, just making a statement about how everybody can't be taken in the 2nd round. Foster may be in the top 10 RBs, but not the top 63 picks for the first 2 rounds. Just an opinion. Guess we'll wait and see. Much like yourself, I'm no guru. But I do remember what happened to one of our own a couple of years ago with Witten. I agree with everything else you posted.

Posted by cwisenhower on January 10, 2008 at 10:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

You fumble too much to go to the NFL. Come back this year and prove you can hold on to the damn ball. You will not be drafted, and if you are, you will be drafted in the 6th or 7th round. Trust me.

I love ya Arian, but this ain't your year.