Illinois 2016 OL Sean Foster Recaps Iowa State Visit and Talks Arkansas Interest

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

Carmel Catholic High School offensive tackle Sean Foster is finally getting his due on a national stage. No. 75 has been grinding it out on the Illinois gridirons for years working his way into being one of the top linemen in the 2016 recruiting class. The accomplishments speak volumes: All-USA Today All-American selection, an Illinois All-State first team selection, All-Area, All-Conference, and a Semper Fidelis All-American selection.

The offers have been there for the 6’8”, 295 pound, talent with Boston College, Cal, Duke, Kentucky, Maryland, Minnesota, N.C. State, Northern Illinois, Rutgers, Virginia Tech, Toledo, Syracuse, Indiana, Nevada, and Buffalo all offering. Coming down to the National Signing Day wire, Iowa State and Purdue have hosted the Mundelein area talent but new suitors are starting to show interest as well. Mainly the Arkansas Razorbacks.

Foster took his visit to Purdue on Dec. 11 and wrapped up his visit to Iowa State the weekend of Jan. 16. New Arkansas offensive line coach Kurt Anderson reached out to Foster this past week giving Sean and I a lot to talk about during our exclusive Recruiting News Guru interview.

Interview

Sean, we’ll jump right to it, how did the visit to Iowa State go?

“It was a lot of fun. My family and I really enjoyed it.”

What were some of the fun things you guys did while visiting the campus?

“Some of the really cool things we did was take the campus tour and all that fun stuff. On the tour we met up with coaches, saw the facilities, they have really cool facilities. It was unreal.”

Which coaches did you meet with during your visit?

I spent a lot of time with Coach (Alex) Golesh (recruiting coordinator and tight ends coach), Coach (Tom) Manning (offensive coordinator and offensive line coach), and Coach (Matt) Campbell (head coach).”

Did the coaches impress you with their knowledge of the game, how they intended to use you, and/or their vision for Iowa State going forward?

“Yes. The coaches showed a lot of knowledge about the game and you can tell they really enjoy coaching. I believe Iowa State will be extremely successful in the future. I would not be surprised if they did something special this year. We (Foster family) really liked the Iowa State coaching staff a lot.”

Did you sit in on any meetings or did they show you how they would utilize you within their offense should you choose Iowa State?

“Yes, we did all that fun stuff. They showed me how they would use me in their offense.”

Are they pitching you telling you that you could contribute as true freshman?

“No, they did not say that.”

Do you see yourself fitting in with the Cyclones’ offense?

“Yes, I do. I think I would fit in well there.”

Who showed you around the campus or which player was your host while you were there?

“Bryce (Meeker), he’s an offensive lineman (redshirt freshman) from Cedar Rapids, Iowa.”

Did you get a good feeling from the current players that they were all in with the new staff?

“Yes. All the players were extremely excited with what the coaches have to offer. They are all excited for greatness. That is something you always want to see when visiting.”

Do plan to visit Iowa State again before National Signing Day?

“I don’t know. I don’t know what everyone’s plan is yet. We’ll see what is going on between now and then.”

Did you happen to commit to Iowa State over the weekend?

“No.”

I know you do not have a list of top schools, but if you did would Iowa State be in the mix?

“I don’t have a list of top schools but Iowa State would be in the mix, for sure.”

Last time we spoke Arkansas appeared to be getting into the mix for you. Have you talked to their new offensive line coach yet, Kurt Anderson?

“Yes, he reached out the night after we got done talking.”

What did you and Coach Anderson talk about?

“It was really cool hearing from him. He said he is coming to see me at school early this week. He said he loved my highlight tape and he can’t wait to meet us.”

Have you set up a visit to Arkansas yet?

“Not sure about the visit to Arkansas yet.”

I know we spoke recently, but in the short duration have any new schools started making a play for you?

“No not yet.”

Sean, thanks for your time today, congratulations on your successful visit with Iowa State, and good luck with Arkansas.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: Foster family; Sean at Iowa State.

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