ARIZONA STATE FOOTBALL

ASU running back DJ Foster: ‘I have nothing but respect and 100 percent confidence’ in quarterback Mike Bercovici

Sep 18, 2014, 4:54 AM | Updated: 4:55 am

LISTEN: D.J. Foster, ASU running back

Arizona State backup quarterback Mike Bercovici has suddenly been thrust into the spotlight after Taylor Kelly suffered a right foot injury in the Sun Devils’ win over the Colorado Buffaloes.

The one-time backup will be under center when ASU squares off with No. 12 UCLA next week. It will be Bercovici’s first career start.

But, despite the junior’s lack of experience, star Sun Devils running back D.J. Foster isn’t worried about a fall off in performance for coach Todd Graham’s offense. He said as much Wednesday while a guest of Burns and Gambo on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM.

“I have nothing but respect and 100 percent confidence in Michael and what he can do,” Foster told the hosts.

While Kelly was known for his ability to make plays on the ground — evading pressure in the pocket and nimbly scrambling — Bercovici’s strength lies in his big arm. But Foster was quick to point out the misnomer in the notion that one quarterback was a pocket passer while the other was a dual threat type. Bercovici, he says, is actually fairly similar to Kelly.

“I think Michael can do whatever he wants to do,” Foster said confidently. “He has talent. He can run. He’s very athletic. And I think people look past that. People see him just as a thrower, but he’s also a very athletic guy and he can run.”

And when asked if the injury to Kelly would change ASU’s offensive approach, Foster didn’t hesitate to answer.

“I don’t think so at all,” he said.

The gameplan, he insisted, would be identical.

“I think it’s critical that we just go out there and play ASU football.”

Arizona State Football

...

Arizona Sports Video

Video: What is Bobby Hurley’s future at Arizona State?

On the latest State of the Sun Devil podcast the guys react to the end of men's basketball season, and wonder what the future of the program will be and how the offseason will unfold. Plus, reactions to football's pro day.

4 days ago

ASU football field...

Dan Bickley

Arizona State reaches rock bottom at end of Pac-12 stay

Rock bottom is mostly a metaphor, a cliché for sports teams that have fallen and can’t get up. But you can find it on the map at ASU.

4 days ago

Michael Crow, Arizona State University president...

Kevin Zimmerman

Now would be a good time for Arizona State to hire an athletic director

Who's to make a decision on Arizona State coach Bobby Hurley without an athletic director? Michael Crow must make a decision soon.

5 days ago

ASU QB Drew Pyne...

Arizona Sports

Former ASU starting QB Drew Pyne headed to Missouri

After playing in just two games in his ASU football career, quarterback Drew Pyne is moving on to the Missouri Tigers.

9 days ago

Sparky's Fairway at Mountain America Stadium...

Tyler Drake

Sparky’s Fairway golf takes over Arizona State’s Mountain America Stadium

ASU's Mountain America Stadium is trading in its hash marks for yardage markers as Sparky's Fairway takes center stage beginning Thursday.

12 days ago

...

Arizona Sports Video

Video: What does Arizona State men’s basketball need to do against Bronny James and USC?

On the latest edition of State of the Sun Devils, the guys discuss what Arizona State men's basketball needs to do next.

14 days ago

ASU running back DJ Foster: ‘I have nothing but respect and 100 percent confidence’ in quarterback Mike Bercovici