UCLA Football: Sophomore RB Decides Against Transferring After DeShaun Foster Hire
![UCLA Football: Sophomore RB Decides Against Transferring After DeShaun Foster Hire UCLA Football: Sophomore RB Decides Against Transferring After DeShaun Foster Hire](https://www.si.com/.image/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/MjA0MzUyMzIwNzYxMjQzNjA2/usatsi_22123972_168396005_lowres.jpg)
It may not seem like it to the national media, but hiring new UCLA Bruins head coach DeShaun Foster is a huge hit among alumni, fans, former players, and current players.
Everyone who has come out and spoken about Foster has nothing but great stuff to say, including the Bruins sophomore running back, TJ Harden. Harden attended the introductory press conference on Tuesday. After the press conference, he revealed to Tracy Pierson of Bruin Report Online that Foster's hiring played a massive role in his staying in Westwood.
"I always hoped that I could stay here. This is home for me. I grew up 20 minutes from here, so this is home for me. I never wanted to leave. My mom told me last week, 'Be patient and everything will work out., and as you can see, everything worked out. I'm 1,000 percent staying here. "
via Tracy Pierson of Bruin Report Online
Harden shared that he and Foster have established a close relationship, considering he is a running back. Harden also said he keeps it 100 percent and sugarcoats nothing with his players.
Foster is a grand hit among his players, and it's no secret why that is now. He's built a bond with the current players, and that could go a long way as UCLA prepares for a new era.
Harden appeared in all 13 games with three starts in 2023 while ranking 10th in the Pac-12 in rushing average (6.3) per game and added a 100-yard performance in the last game of the season in the LA Bowl against Boise State.
Things look bright for the program and Harden, who reassured fans he is here to stay.