Reuben Foster: This Year’s Shaq Thompson?

Last season, Washington somehow managed to nab Shaq Thompson, the five-star safety that was ranked by Rivals as the 4th best recruit in the nation, and 1st in the state of California, in the Class of 2012. Thompson had already been committed to Cal, but after Washington hired away Cal defensive line coach and ace recruiter Tosh Lupoi, he decided to reconsider and eventual signed with the Huskies. After a freshman season in which he recorded 59 tackles, 3 interceptions, and 2 sacks, I believe it’s safe to say that he has been a success, and has lived up to his lofty five-star billing.

November 24, 2012; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers head coach Gene Chizik talks to the media following the Tigers 49-0 loss against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant Denny Stadium. Chizik refused to address his coaching future at Auburn University. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

Now, what does that have to do with Reuben Foster, a five-star inside linebacker from Alabama that has already committed to Auburn and Alabama before reversing his decision both times? Well apparently Tosh Lupoi is at it again. Foster lists Washington as one of the top schools he is considering, and he plans to take an official visit to Washington. As always, it is tough to tell exactly how much interest Foster has in becoming a Husky without actually meeting him, but I think there may be a decent chance that he ends up in Seattle.

Why? Well, Foster has stirred up a decent amount of trouble in his home state. First, while committed to Alabama, Foster decided to make a switch to arch-rival Auburn. Then, after seriously getting an Auburn tattoo, he jumped off of the Auburn wagon as well, citing the loss of head coach Gene Chizik. While he is still considering both schools, along with a host of other SEC powerhouses, it would make sense for him to simply want to get out of dodge. To escape all of the drama and all of the feet he has stepped on by committing and decommitting and recommitting. If he chooses Alabama, Auburn will forever hate him. If he bolts to some other SEC school, everyone in Alabama will be upset. However, Washington is far, far away up in the Northwest corner of the 48 states, and there Foster would stay out of sight and out of mind.

Fans would still not be happy in his home state of Alabama, but those southern schools would rarely play the Huskies, and Foster would be able to find a new beginning. Of course, that is just an idea. I don’t know if Foster really cares about that, or if that is why he is considering Washington. But with Lupoi recruiting him, don’t be surprised if Washington stays in the race for his commitment all the way until National Signing Day on February 6th, when he plans to make his choice. Until then, we’ll keep you updated on anything that changes.