FSU Football: Analyst Says Francois Is Biggest Question Entering Spring
By Jason Parker
FSU football knows that Deondre Francois is going to be the man under center entering spring drills – but one analyst says he the biggest question mark.
You can say a lot of things about FSU football entering the 2017 season, but one thing is a no brainer and maybe the best thing for the team: Deondre Francois will be back under center at quarterback and should be even better than what he was during a pretty nice redshirt freshman season in 2016.
It is truly going to be D12’s team when they take the field this fall in the opener against Alabama and, baring injury or suspension, should be that way for the entire upcoming campaign. It will also be that way entering spring drills, which get started at the beginning of March and conclude with the Garnet and Gold spring game on April 8th.
According to ESPN college football writer Jared Shanker, it’s going to be Francois’ leadership ability that is the biggest question for FSU football entering spring practice:
"Last year it was about the supporting cast helping Francois. Now the redshirt sophomore will need to help elevate the play of his teammates. He’ll likely have a few new offensive linemen and three new receivers, and both units struggled through parts of 2016."
Florida State Seminoles Football
Francois has gained national respect for his toughness and growth over the course of the season – from bouncing back after the blowout loss to Louisville in just his third start to coming back in the game after multiple nasty hits against Miami. Heck, he’s even one of the early names being mentioned in the running for the Heisman Trophy.
With the departure of offensive leaders like running back Dalvin Cook and wide receiver Travis Rudolph, it is truly Francois’ world on offense and he will by the bonafide leader of that is of the ball. That being said, there really is no need to question if he can elevate the play of those around him.
It was D12 who created a relationship with young receivers like Nyqwan Murray and Auden Tate that is going to be beneficial to the Seminoles this year. He plays well above his class status and is more than ready to be the leader for FSU football in the hunt for a fourth national title.