The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Foreman aims to continue tradition of legendary Texas running backs
11.05.2016 | Football
History serves as motivation for the Longhorns’ junior running back.
D'Onta Foreman knows a thing or two about eluding defenders.
The junior running back has thundered for over 1,000 yards this season alone, the first Texas player to accomplish that feat since Jamaal Charles in 2007. His nine consecutive 100-yard rushing games are just two shy of Earl Campbell's all-time record, and his breakaway speed has been inducing headaches in opposing defensive coordinators all season long.
But when he's searching for an extra edge on Saturdays, Foreman often turns to the legendary Texas running backs who have come before him for answers.
"Most of the backs that came through here were powerful and ran really hard, and that's my style of play," Foreman said. "I kind of just fit in with those guys. I'll always talk to Ricky [Williams] about how he'd prepare for certain situations and the things he did on the field."
As part of his quest to solidify his place among the greats at Texas – Williams, Charles, Campbell and Cedric Benson, to name a few – Foreman has become well-versed in the history of the Longhorns' formidable ground attack. He pores over vintage game film, meticulously studying the style of each player.
"I've always known about the tradition of this place," Foreman said. "I've always known that it's a great university, a lot of great talent that's been here way before me. So when I came here, I just wanted to be a part of that."
In the midst of a season that has put him squarely in the conversation for the Doak Walker Award, which recognizes the nation's top running back, Foreman said his mission is to carry on the legacy of fearsome backs at Texas. When he recorded a career-high 250 rushing yards in a game against then-No. 8 Baylor to break the 1,000-yard mark, he said he took pride in reviving that part of history.
"It was crazy," Foreman said. "It was a goal that I set for myself, and I just told myself, 'I'm not going to stop until I do it.' Now I've done it, and I want to do more. But I was so happy. It hadn't happened since 2007, so I was glad that I was the one to bring it back alive."
That record-breaking moment, like every other aspect of Foreman's game, was built on careful preparation. Two weeks out from the matchup against Baylor, Foreman did the math and realized he was on track to surpass the 1,000-yard milestone at home. He said he wouldn't have wanted it any other way.
"I wanted to do it in front of the home crowd because we have amazing fans," Foreman said. "The O-line knew how many yards I needed to break it, so during the week they would tell me, 'You know man, we're going to get it. We're going to get it for you.' Just as much as I wanted it, they wanted it."
In the locker room after the game, Foreman made sure to shake the hand of every player and thank them. He said he gives credit to his teammates whenever possible, making sure his offensive line and blockers are recognized for the crucial role they play. It's all part of the mantra he repeats to his fellow running backs before every game: "Don't be selfish."
"It's not about individual accolades," Foreman said. "I've been blessed to be able to achieve those things, but this team is greater than me. I want to do everything I can to help this program."
Of all the former running backs he's met, Foreman has grown closest with Williams. The two talk after every game, and Foreman frequently solicits advice and wisdom from the Heisman Trophy winner. Williams said Foreman's commitment to improving his game separates him from the pack.
"I really enjoy watching D'Onta because he has so much passion for the game, plays extremely hard and is a complete football player," Williams said. "I can see that he really cares about being great. A lot of people talk about wanting to be great, but he seems to embrace doing what it takes to actually be great. The sky's the limit for what he can accomplish."
Foreman's work ethic is a point that comes up in any conversation about the Texas standout. Head coach Charlie Strong said Foreman's success came as no surprise to the coaching staff.
"It's really amazing watching what D'Onta is doing each and every week," Strong said. "When you watch him work, you see how he got there. He comes to practice, meetings, workouts and everything we do with the mindset of getting better. He's just a tremendous football player and I'm happy to see him starting to get the attention he deserves."
Foreman said he had to grow up fast to be a leader on this young Texas team. He sits in the front row during team meetings, a spot typically reserved for seniors. He said his goal is to pass on the history he's learned to the younger generation of Texas running backs, often bringing them along for film sessions.
"I'm just trying to keep that tradition alive," Foreman said. "We want to be the face of this program. We want to have those 1,000-yard rushers every season. I feel like with the success that I'm having, I should pass it down just like Ricky's passed it down to me and those other guys have passed it down to me. Johnathan Gray, Malcolm Brown – they all gave me great insight into what it means to play here at the University of Texas. I just try to help those younger guys any way I can."
Every day, Foreman walks past shrines dedicated to the Texas athletes who have come before him. With four games left in the season, those names are a frequent reminder of what he still hopes to achieve.
"I kind of just sat back one day and thought about how many greats we've had in front of me," Foreman said. "To be mentioned with those guys or even have my name in a conversation with those guys would mean a lot to me. That's something that I can really strive for this season."
