Eric Foster: The Story of an Undersized Football Player Who Kept Choppin

(Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

"Keep Choppin'"-Greg Schiano

A small man at a small football school. That's what Eric Foster was when he was a freshman at Rutgers University in 2003. 

But when he graduated in 2008, he was a big man at a big time college football powerhouse. 

The All-County linebacker at Homestead High School was considered undersized upon his arrival to Rutgers.

But he just kept choppin'.

Foster red-shirted his freshman year in 2003, and appeared in 11 games in 2004.

His 2005 campaign lasted only two games, as it was cut short by an injury. 

But his 2006 season would gain Foster and Rutgers notoriety all over the college football universe. 

Foster's six sacks led the Scarlet Knights as Rutgers had arguably their best season in team history, going 11-2 and upsetting third ranked Louisville on Nov. 9.

Going into 2007, Foster was named a preseason All-American by numerous U.S. polls, and those expectations produced success, as Foster had another fantastic season.

Foster was one of the greatest defensive players in Rutgers history, yet he went undrafted in the 2008 NFL Draft.

But he just kept choppin'. 

Signed as an undrafted free agent by the Indianapolis Colts prior to the start of the 2008 season, Foster wasn't guaranteed a spot on the roster.

Foster didn't only make the team, but started 11 games in 2008.

Foster has made seven tackles so far in 2009 and continues to make a difference for the Colts. 

So here's to that kid from Florida who was too small to be a good college football player. 

For that kid who defied the odds, and continues to do so.

For that kid, Eric Foster.

And a word of advice for you as you keep on excelling.

Keep Choppin'.

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