CHAMPAIGN – Kendrick Foster bubbles with optimism, whether he’s talking about Friday Night Lights, another Peoria Pipeline or this year’s version of the Illini football team.

The feel good story from last year, Foster still feels good about overcoming adversity after nearly leaving the program, finding a home in the Illini backfield under coach Lovie Smith and entering the season as the Illini’s top threat on the ground.

So let’s not ruin his vibe. Rather, Illini fans can ask the spark plug/running back about his Giant Slayer tattoo on one arm, his plans for the final season of his college career and let the kid with the big smile, bigger heart and pleasant personality roll in front of the cameras.

He’s earned it.

“Last year was my breakout year,’’ Foster said. “I’m just getting started. Our offensive line is better. We have a great leader in Chayce Crouch. I’m just excited, not just for myself but the team.’’