Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

On Wednesday, former Pike County High School star Ian Foster announced his decision to enter the transfer portal after a stellar redshirt freshman season at Marshall University.

Foster earned first-team All-Sun Belt honors this past season as a kick returner after leading the country in kickoff return average. Foster averaged 32.4 yards per return on 16 kickoff returns this season, totaling 518 yards. His five kickoff returns of 40 or more yards also leads the country along with his three returns of 50 or more yards. Foster has a total of 15 kickoff returns for 501 yards this season. Foster also started at safety for the Thundering Herd this season, tallying 48 tackles, five tackles-for-loss and four pass breakups.

“I entered the portal simply to explore new opportunities that Marshall has allowed for me to create for myself and I appreciate them greatly for the opportunity,” Foster told The Messenger of his decision.

Marshall head coach Charles Huff was hired by Southern Miss earlier this month, after the Thundering Herd defeated Louisiana in the Sun Belt Championship. Foster will have three years of college eligibility left at his next school.

“In my next school, I’m looking for a similar place to where I left, that has the city’s support, a great campus, great history and a program wanting to win,” Foster emphasized. “Being comfortable is my biggest thing when choosing a school. God will continue to lead me down the right path as long as I trust in Him.”

Foster was a standout at Pike Liberal Arts School in Troy, helping lead the Patriots to an AISA State Championship in 2021. He earned All-State honors as a defensive back at Pike Lib and then as a senior at Pike County, in 2022, he earned All-State honors as a receiver. He was also the All-Messenger Most Valuable Player for that season along with earning All-Messenger honors as a receiver, defensive back and kick returner.

Foster’s cousin, Jywon Boyd, plays at Troy University.