If your name isn't Matthew Berry or you are not an avid reader of his fantasy football columns then chances are you probably hadn't heard of Arian Foster heading into this past NFL season. Credit to Matthew Berry though - he was all aboard the Adrian Foster train from the get go, writing about him as a sleeper impact running back in his pre-season columns. Those that listened to The Talented Mr. Roto received dividends in a big way this season to the tune of one of the top players in all of fantasy.
Foster wasn't just good for the fantasy nerds though, he was pretty damn good for his real team as well. Given an opportunity to take the starting RB gig when Steve Slaton struggled at the end of '09, Foster hit the ground running and never slowed down. In fact in his first game as a starter he ran all over Indianapolis for 231 yards. His total that game trails only O.J. Simpson for the most rushing yards on Opening Day.
Prior to his burst on the scene September 12, Foster was a bit of an enigma. He was always seen as a talented back even in his days at Tennessee. He has always had an "NFL body" according to scouts. But due to some off the field issues culminating with an arrest in 2006, and a lack of productivity as an upper classman he was not drafted in 2009. Not only was he undrafted, but after signing on with the Texans following the draft he was later cut and resigned to the practice squad. Eventually, he made his way onto the Texans' roster by November 2009.
Apparently, Head Coach Gary Kubiak must have seen enough of Foster in limited appearances to want to feature him as the full-time back and he was rewarded for making that move. Foster was terrific in the lead role and was the NFL's leading rusher with 1,616 yards - almost 150 yards more than Jamaal Charles who was 2nd. He scored 18 touchdowns which also paced the NFL (for non QBs). Foster also broke Priest Holmes' record for most yards from scrimmage by an undrafted free-agent. For his efforts in 2010 he was named a member of the All-Pro team and competed in the Pro Bowl, his first. The next step will be leading the Texans to their long awaited first playoff game.
At 24 Foster is one of the elder statesmen on this list, and some worry that he may be a one hit wonder. However, if he can avoid injury I think he has the goods to be a great running back for at least a few seasons in the NFL. (Which is an eternity for a running back these days). Fans in Houston are certainly hoping that's the case - and also that Matthew Berry doesn't pick him as a 2011 fantasy bust.
On top of being a top notch Running Back in the NFL, Arian Foster also fancies himself quite the poet. Here is just a sampling of his poetic prowess...
I miss you like the sun rise
by Arian Foster
I miss you like the sun rise
Winter nights became reality's home,
Snow men stand here like soldiers of Rome,
My tears freeze before they kiss the wind,
I think of warmth and miss you then,
Since when when did rose petals crack While pondering love,
Dressed in pitch black with this sombering sun,
I sit an fish, out of the river Styx,
Catching cold souls with their quivered lips,
They whisper sweet like lemons drip,
And gaze my eyes like Medusa's gift,
My bait is smiles.
Unhook me, look me not into dusk,
Ease my cuts, and release my lust,
Inhale my words, and breathe my wants,
Let the light marry my eyes,
And let the same inherit the skies.
I miss you like the sun rise.
