Foster makes history
- Updated: February 4, 2015
Donoho senior becomes school’s first D-I signee when he inks with Samford
Donoho’s Justin Foster, flanked by his parents Bobby and Shandal, signs his letter of intent with Samford Wednesday. On the cover, Foster is joined by family and friends after the signing. (Photos by Paige Faulkner)
By Dylan Dunaway
For East Alabama Sports Today
Justin Foster made big plays throughout his high school football career. On Wednesday, he made history.
The senior tight end/defensive end became Donoho’s first Division I football signee when he officially signed with Samford.
“It’s definitely a blessing to be able to come out of Donoho as one of the first,” Foster said. “I’m very happy with where the Lord has taken me so far.
“(I’ve dreamed of playing Division I football) since I was a little kid, but even if I didn’t play Division I football — or football at all — I still would find a way to get things done.”
Spirits in the room were high as the pride of Justin’s parents, coaches, and teachers shined bright. Foster himself was all smiles and it was evident he was proud of his accomplishments.
With Foster’s help, the Falcons completed a 10-0 regular season and finished 11-1 after a nailbiting loss in the second round of the playoffs. They had one of the stingiest defenses in the state, posting eight shutouts. Over the last four seasons with Foster in the lineup, the Falcons have gone 34-11 with four playoff appearances.
Media lined up in front of the desk that seated Foster, his sister and parents. They were poised to record the historic moment and after a moment of confusion as he wondered what he was supposed to do next, Foster signed the document that made his dreams of playing at the next level a reality.
After signing the paper, he picked up the Samford visor and put it on. Asked why a visor instead of a hat he jokingly said, “I didn’t want to mess up my hair.”
Although he had offers from Alabama State, Arkansas State, Austin Peay, Georgia State, Illinois State, South Alabama, Jacksonville State and UAB, Foster decided to accept the offer from Samford for reasons that went beyond football.
“The main thing for me was academics and coming from a college preparatory school, academics was always one of the main things included in my life so to be able to continue my education at Samford is even better,” he said.
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