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It is always fun to talk about the skill position players, but the big dogs up front deserve some love. Sean Foster has been a leader on the Iowa State offensive line for going on five years, as he is one of the few players left that was recruited by Paul Rhoads.
Foster came to Iowa State as a three-star recruit from Mundelein, IL. After redshirting his initial season, Foster started six games for the Cyclones at right tackle as a redshirt-freshman. He struggled to find the field during the next two seasons, only appearing five total games and starting only one. In his final collegiate season, the senior leader has been tasked with protecting Brock Purdy’s blindside at left tackle. Matt Campbell has been impressed with the Mundelein, IL native’s perseverance through his college career.
“Sean is a young man who has gone through ups and downs but has stayed the course. Anytime you are willing to stay the course and fight through adversity you are going to come out on the other side much better.” – Matt Campbell on senior offensive lineman Sean Foster
— Cyclone Football (@CycloneFB) September 9, 2020
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As a whole, Iowa State’s offensive line has been up and down in both games this season. At times they look dominant moving around opposing defenders at will, and opening holes for long Breece Hall and Kene Nwangwu runs. Unfortunately there have also been situations where they struggle to hold their own. The Cyclones as a unit allowed two sacks, five TFLs and only one QB hurry against TCU a similar performance to their one sack, four TFLs and three QB hurries allowed in week one.
Although Sean Foster is much improved from a season ago, there have been times where Iowa State has stacked sometime multiple tight ends on the left side of the line. You could argue that this could be coincidence, but it continues to happen, so I think it is only fair to say that ISU still has some doubt in Foster’s ability to protect Purdy’s blindside.
Iowa State’s week three opponent Oklahoma is coming off a defensive performance where they recorded a single sack, with five TFLs and five QB hurries against Kansas State. Although the Sooners allowed 38 points, they have play makers on the defensive side of the ball.
It will be important for Sean Foster and the rest of the Iowa State offensive line to come ready to go Saturday night, for the Cyclones’ primetime matchup against the No. 18 Sooners.