Alabama Football: 5-Star Signee Reuben Foster 'Wanted to Give Up Football'

Reuben Foster sat down with ESPN recently to discuss his recruitment, and what he had to say may surprise the everyday college football fan. For others, this is what recruiting has become, and we all know it.

Foster told ESPN's Alex Scarborough, "It got to the point where I didn't know who to trust. I didn't want to deal with it anymore. I got to the point where I wanted to give up football. But I knew if I gave up football it would be an even bigger story."

One of the game's rising stars was considering stepping away from a game that he loved—one that could help provide a shot at an amazing future for himself and his family.

It was nothing personal for Foster when he switched his commitment from Auburn to in-state rival Alabama. He was looking for a proven track to the NFL, and right now, the Crimson Tide own the road and they are taking tolls.

Georgia was also in the mix. And after it was all finished, he told ESPN that he “didn't mean for all this to happen” and that he was “sorry to the Auburn fans, to the Georgia fans who I got their hopes up.”

"They're talking like I'm a thug, and they don't even know me," Foster said. "They told me, 'I hope you tear your ACL.' It's crazy how people think and what they'd wish upon you."

College football recruiting has reached an all-time high in popularity. There are industries dedicated to the delivery of breaking recruiting news as the masses push for the latest info. In the process, the recruit gets tossed around like a sack of potatoes at the local farmers market.

Foster’s feelings are a direct representation of how the endless phone calls, texts, news reports and social media bombs affect these young recruits. This is supposed to be a great experience, not a horrific one.

For all the nonsense that surrounded his recruitment, Foster is a genuine kid who is looking to make a future out of a game he loves. And in the process, he gets to earn a college degree.

Haters are gonna hate, as they say, but sometimes, it gets a little too personal. 

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