By Nick Shook
NFL.com
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Reuben Foster‘s journey has been quite the contrast.

One of America’s top collegiate linebackers. A crushing loss in the national title game. A projected top-10 pick in the NFL draft. Nearly falling out of the first round entirely.

That last part had a lot to do with a shoulder injury and subsequent surgery that left lingering questions about his viability, both in the short and long term. He’s since been rehabbing with his eyes on training camp. And no news is good news for Foster.

“No, there haven’t been any updates,” coach Kyle Shanahan said of Foster’s status on Wednesday. “It’s been the status quo. He’s been doing great with his rehab. I really have no concerns. I think he’ll be more than ready to go by training camp. That’s my feeling. I can’t promise that, but I’d be surprised if it wasn’t.”

Shanahan took it one step further, answering a question about Foster’s potential readiness in full pads with complete confidence.

“Yes, I do,” he said when asked if he thinks Foster will be full go on the first day of hitting. “Yes.”

If Foster can stay healthy and achieve near where he was initially projected, he’d be the steal of the 2017 draft. He could also be a key piece in a rebuilding defense for years to come. Five days after signing his rookie deal, things seem to continue to trend upward for the linebacker.