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By BJ Bennett
SouthernPigskin.com

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SouthernPigskin.com Senior Editor visits with former Georgia Southern star Jayson Foster as he battles for a roster spot with the Miami Dolphins.

By B.J. Bennett
SouthernPigskin.com Senior Editor

SouthernPigskin.com Senior Editor visits with former Georgia Southern star Jayson Foster as he battles for a roster spot with the Miami Dolphins.

Last season, Jayson Foster was the premier player in FCS college football.  The Walter Payton Award winner for Georgia Southern was a one-man stat sheet for the Eagles.  Foster compiled 1,203 yards rushing and six touchdowns, on 64% passing, and rushed for 1,844 yards and a SoCon-best 24 touchdowns.  He also caught six passes and added 17 punt returns and a 38-yard kick return for good measure.  Foster played a leading role in the Eagles’ road upset of national champion Appalachian State. 

One year ago, Foster was making plays all over the field in the FCS.  This fall, he is adjusting to life in the NFL with the Miami Dolphins.  As a small college star given a chance at the next level, Foster is making the most of his opportunity.

“It’s going pretty well, just out there getting a chance to compete.  You have to go make an impact on special teams, play your role,” Foster explained.  “Overall it’s going pretty well.” http://images.usatoday.com/sports/college/football/_photos/2005-11-24-thumb-ga-so.jpg 

In addition to making a major transition from quarterback, where he was the offensive focal point for the Eagles, to receiver, Foster is facing other differences as well.

“The terminology.  They call everything a different name.  Definitely have to get used to the terminology and just getting used to playing wide receiver,” he continued.  “Biggest difference you have to be more specialized when you get here.  At Georgia Southern I moved around a lot and played a lot of different positions, but here you have to concentrate on special teams.  At quarterback you have a different role than playing receiver.  Basically it’s concentrating on one spot and being the best at that.” 

At 5’‘7’‘, 175 pounds, Foster doesn’t have typical measurables for an NFL wide receiver.  For an athlete who was been proving doubters wrong his whole life, being slightly undersized hasn’t been a deterrent. 

“I don’t know if it size has necessarily affected me.  People are a lot bigger and a lot faster,” he stated.  “If you can do it on one level you can do it on the next, you just have to go out there and compete everyday.”

Foster is a member of a deep wide receiver rotation that features a number of former college stars.  Many of those veterans have welcomed him into the NFL.

“The receivers group as a whole, Tedd Ginn, Ernest Wilfork, Derek Hagan, they will all help you out.  We all hang out together, go to meetings and at practice you are surrounded by them.  They just make you comfortable and help you along the way,” Foster said.

While Foster initially made a smiling prediction of 15-0, an opening game 45-21 loss to Georgia has derailed that pick.  Foster still expects big things from his Eagles in the ultra-competitive Southern Conference and in FBS football in general.

“I think they have a great chance to win it all.  Definitely have a lot of talent coming back and Coach Hatcher is going to have them right,” he explained.  “I think we are going to win it this year.  We had a shot last year and fell a little short, but I think we have the talent coming back and a more experienced offense.  I think we should be pretty good.” 

As for replacing one of the most decorated players in school history, the winner of the equivalent of the 1-AA Heisman Trophy?

“They got enough talent to do a good job down there.  They won before me and they will win without me,” he proclaimed.  “That’s not a question.”

Foster, who is currently attempting to make the Miami Dolphins’ final team, is battling some other talented receivers for a roster spot.

“It’s still up in the air right now.  You have to go out there and contribute on special teams and at receiver.  Whatever they need you to do you have to go out there and perform at your best.  Hopefully it works out for the best.”

Foster is enjoying showcasing his skills at the highest level of competition.  The former Georgia Southern star has been given an opportunity in the NFL.  Now, he’s taking advantage of it. 

“It’s feeling pretty good right now.  I’m still here and that’s always a good feeling,” he laughed.  ““It’s definitely a positive experience, you get the opportunity to keep playing football and prolong your career.  If you get the opportunity you have to be happy about that.  Right now I’m just living the dream and hopefully I can continue it.”

*Editor’s Note: Foster was waived by the Dolphins on August 30th

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