Foster right at home with UCF

Just days after his visit, Houston-area linebacker Marcus Foster has committed to UCF. The League City (Tex.) Clear Falls product is the Knights' ninth pledge for the Class of 2015.

Foster, who is 6-foot-1 and 200 pounds, spent Friday on campus.

"When I went to down there to visit I really liked the campus," Foster said. "I had three things that I required before I would make any type of commitment to any school. That was to connect with the coaches, for my mom to really like the school I'm going to and great academics. I feel UCF has all three of those things."

UCF began recruiting him last spring after defensive line coach Lorenzo Costantini paid a visit to his high school.

"He loved my tape," Foster said. "That's really when they started to recruit me heavily and offered me."

With UCF being one of the schools he was most interested in, he and his mother made plans for this late-July visit. They spent the entire weekend in the Orlando area, leaving on Sunday.

"We got to UCF around 2 o'clock on Friday," Foster said. "They showed us everything: The practice fields, the stadium, where the players work out, where they study, the dorms and everything. I got a really good feeling for it. It was really nice."

And how did the meeting with head coach George O'Leary go?

"It was kind of intimidating, I'm not going to lie," Foster said. "He's a veteran coach and knows what he's talking about. I was a little apprehensive at first, but once I got to know him I started to feel right at home. He told me to have a good senior season and show out. If UCF was the school for me, then I should commit."

Foster didn't commit on the spot, but gave several indications he was leaning in that direction. Early Monday evening, Foster called the UCF coaching staff to inform them of his decision.

"I think they were kind of expecting it," Foster said. "I talked to Coach Zo. He was congratulating me and said they were happy to have me. I haven't talked to Coach O'Leary yet because he's at some meetings."

Foster, whose favorite player growing up was Ray Lewis, says the coaches told him they liked his versatility.

"They said I'm a quicker player that they could switch up," Foster said. "I could maybe play all three positions. I think I have good instincts. I know where the ball is going and I feel I'm pretty good at covering the pass."

Foster chooses the Knights over offers from Houston, Louisiana Tech, Navy, Nevada, UTSA and Tulsa.

"I really feel like UCF is an up-and-coming team," Foster said. "I believe in their future. That's why I've decided to take my talents there."

He hadn't thought too much about future goals, but said he would definitely give his all when he arrives next year.

"I'm going to be driving to be the best that I can be," Foster said. "If perks come along with that, great. I'm going to play my game of football. I'm going to work."

Two-thirds of UCF's 2015 commitments play on the defensive side of the ball as Foster joins fellow linebackers Quintin Hampton, Pat Jasinski and Neal Nelson, defensive end Titus Davis and safety Malik Vaccaro-Dixon. The offensive recruits include quarterback Bo Schneider (who returned for another visit on Monday), running back Taj McGowan and wide receiver Cameron Stewart. Foster is UCF's second pledge from Texas, joining Schneider, a Dallas native.

Proud to say I have committed to the University of Central Florida! Thank you to all of my supporters. #Knights pic.twitter.com/jLvINfifCh- Marcus Foster (@_MarcusFoster) July 28, 2014