Jimbo Fisher details challenges of Bryce Foster playing two sports

Jimbo Fisher has a history of his players participating in multiple different sports. Starting center Bryce Foster is one of those guys at the moment, being on the Texas A&M track and field team. Due to that, he was not able to play in the Aggies’ Marron & White game or even go through spring practice.

When asked about Foster not being present, Fisher admitted he wishes things could be different. Foster does perform well for the track and field team when over there. But Fisher does want his starting center there during spring to get a solid offensive line group together.

“He’s very talented at that,” Fisher said. “He’s one of the best in the business, one of the best in the country. I would never stand in that. Do I wish I had him? Yeah. Wish he could do both.”

Fisher reflected upon his history of multi-sport players, going all the way back to Florida State. He said Foster is the only one who has not been at football during the spring. Even with Jameis Winston being on the baseball team, he was there leading the Seminoles during the entire spring.

“Every other two-sport guy, guys have played,” Fisher said. “He’s the only two-sport guy I’ve ever had that doesn’t do both. Jameis never missed a practice. Jalen Ramsey never missed practice… Because Bryce does miss… the timing, the rhythm.”

At times, the Texas A&M offensive line has been a mess. The unit has not been the best and injuries have forced people to rotate. With Foster being the center, he is the guy leading the front five and attempting to block for Conner Weigman. Not getting 15 practices under your belt during the spring is something Fisher admits hurts the team.

“It’s like your quarterback,” Fisher said. “The center is your quarterback, making all of the calls, the snaps, the rhythm with the quarterback. It does hurt you.”

During his two seasons in College Station, Foster has played in 16 games and started in all of them. Four came last year before suffering a season-ending injury. Foster has recovered well and moved over to track and field following the end of football season.

Foster will be back in pads this fall when Texas A&M begins to prepare for the 2023 season. There will be plenty of summer workouts to get back in shape and reacquainted with football teammates.