Foster’s Campaign Gets Boost

DeShaun Foster’s right forearm is covered with a bandage from a turf burn. That’s the only indication the UCLA tailback had 31 carries on the unrelenting synthetic surface at Oregon State’s Reser Stadium.

“I wasn’t that sore,” he said. “In fact, I wasn’t sore at all.”

Foster was Pacific-10 Conference offensive player of the week for his 147-yard, three-touchdown performance in the Bruins’ 38-7 victory.

He is averaging 128 yards a game and is the only back in the conference averaging more than 100.

A week after fumbling four times, Foster didn’t come close to dropping the ball. He rushed for nine first downs and broke tackles on several runs, most notably a 17-yard touchdown in the third quarter.

The time for UCLA to mount a Heisman Trophy campaign on Foster’s behalf might be now. Officials were waiting for him to have a few good games first.

“When you are playing good you want some kind of recognition for it,” he said.

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Foster’s backups proved against Oregon State that they can contribute when called upon.

Akil Harris, an elusive sophomore, broke off a 54-yard run in the third quarter--the Bruins’ longest play from scrimmage this season--and finished with 74 yards in seven carries.

“I know my role is to back up DeShaun,” he said. “When the man needs a breather, I’m always on my toes waiting for Coach [Bob] Toledo to yell, ‘Akil, Akil.”’

Manual White, a burly freshman who sometimes lines up with Foster in the backfield, caught a 41-yard pass that set up a field goal in the second quarter.

He also rushed for 38 yards in eight carries during UCLA’s last two possessions, producing four first downs.