Gamecocks football walk-on, Foster, surprised with scholarship
COLUMBIA, S.C. (BVM) — Jaylan Foster’s football career has gone down many different avenues. From being a Shrine Bowl player at Byrnes High in Duncan, to being the Big South Freshman of the Year at Gardner-Webb, to being a scout team and special teams player at South Carolina. But wherever he’s been, he’s had value.
And that theory was proven true earlier this week as head coach Will Muschamp surprised the USC walk-on by putting him on a scholarship.
In the video that went viral throughout social media, Muschamp is addressing his players at the end of practice ahead of their matchup with Tennessee. To conclude this meeting, he nonchalantly delivers the news to Foster that is welcomed by the celebration of his teammates.
What a moment. @CoachWMuschamp surprises @GamecockFB DB Jaylan Foster with a scholarship 👏 #SECInside pic.twitter.com/MyVs0fEx6a
— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) September 30, 2020
The red-shirt senior certainly earned the reward, as the coaching staff named him the Scout Team Award winner for special teams in 2019. In his game week press conference, Muschamp spoke highly of Foster’s work ethic and gave reporters all the answers as to why he was so deserving.
“He’s been a productive guy since he’s been here,” Muschamp told reporters. “With some opportunities, we had some guys in the secondary (who were out) and he was able to take some practice opportunities and scrimmage opportunities. He did a nice job.”
And perhaps if those opportunities continue to arise, Foster will be able to produce on the field of play. In his Big South Freshman of the Year season, the former Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldog wreaked havoc on opposing offenses. He registered 45 tackles, and also led the team with five interceptions, nine pass breakups and two fumble recoveries.
That season his name was added to the Jerry Rice Award watch list, given annually to the FCS freshman player of the year.
Upon arrival in Columbia, despite the success he already had at the Division I level, Foster accepted his role and has been making significant contributions to the team as a reserve. Coach Muschamp acknowledged Foster’s continued positive attitude and how that will benefit him this season.
“He’ll start on two or three special teams. Runs extremely well, is very bright, understands our system. He can play nickel, he can play safety, and there are a lot of positives he can bring to our team,” Muschamp said. “He’s a guy who has continued to work hard, managed everything in a first-class way, he’s extremely intelligent, already graduated and those are things you try to reward as best as you can, because he earned it.”
As of now, the Gamecocks sit at 0-1 and prepare for another SEC battle this week with the No. 3-ranked Florida Gators.
