Storyline: Many people believe the FSU QB job is determined already. It’s Everett Golson’s job. But don’t count out an uber-talended incoming freshman, Deondre Francois. Written by Waddell Howard, Jr.
Ever since former Notre Dame QB Everett Golson announced his decision to transfer to Florida State (May 19th) the Florida State faithful has all but anointed him the Seminole’s starter. Why would they do that? He’s an instant plug-in to an FSU offense that lost a 1st Round draft pick in Jameis Winston.
Courtesy: article.wn.com
But the other reason is that he’s an exciting player. Blessed with the ability to scramble and buy time to make plays, Golson gives Coach Jimbo Fisher offensive options. Golson’s decision to transfer to a new school also provides him a fresh start, perhaps giving him the opportunity to become the player he wants to be … maybe the player he has always been.
The Notre Dame graduate has the type of big-play ability that attracted many top-tier programs in need of a QB. It was a highly publicized search. And, no wonder. Golson’s stats from last year are noteworthy. He completed 60% of his passes and threw for 3,445 yards and 29 touchdowns–even though he was yanked out of some games. Golson’s experience and talent make him a front runner for the FSU QB job.
Courtesy: CBS Sports
Competing with Golson are Sean Maguire and J.J. Cosentino, now that John Franklin III has decided to transfer.
But I don’t think enough attention is being given to an incoming freshman, a player that’s scheduled to enroll at FSUthis summer. If given a chance, I think this frosh will shake up the quarterback battle at Florida State. His name is Deondre Francois. A former Elite 11 selectee and Under Armour All-America, Francois is too competitive not to push for the starting job.
Francois is undoubtedly a wild card in the quarterback battle. He has fallen off the radar most likely because he’s a freshman without any experience. It may be a reason why Coach Fisher sought someone with substantial game experience. Enter Everett Golson. But Golson could very well be the safety net in a QB competition that could become quite interesting.
Fisher’s genius creates a win/win situation. He has a crop of talented QBs. Fisher can take his pick. And at the top of the list is a proven starter who played in a BCS Title Game.
Courtesy: photos.gatorcountry.com
So where does, Francois, the red headed, high-top, fade-wearing kid from Orlando fit in? He has absolutely nothing to lose and the world to gain.
If Golson is anointed the starter, Francois sits for a year, learning the position along with fellow freshman, DeAndre Johnson and incoming 5-star recruit Malik Henry.
But don’t be surprised if Francois shows his greatness. He threw for 4,650 total passing yards and 47 touchdowns to cap off his high school career. In the Under-Armour All American Game he marched his team down the field with ease, going 4-4 for 103 yards passing and a TD. More impressive was his 60-yard completion to now teammate, George Campbell–an effortlessly thrown bullet.
As for game management, Francois plays with a calm and has command over game-glow–unusual to see in an incoming freshman. That’s what his former high school coaches say.
If Francois can make progress and produce the way he did in high school, then he might have a shot at the FSU QB job, possibly this summer. So don’t make the mistake of overlooking Francois in the grand scheme of things. He could surprise.
If so, he’ll complicate a QB race which, to many, seems pre-ordained as Golson’s job.
Courtesy: fineartamerica.com
Great article…
Mr. Howard made some excellent points in his article and I agree. Fisher is absolutely in a win/win situation. He will be able to develop is QBs roster and not skip a brat losing Winston to the NFL Draft.
This article was well written and it rings true. I believe that akimbo Fisher has an excellent situation down in Florida State. It may not seem that way because of the number of players they lost this year, but with players like Golson stepping in and Francois to compete against him it may be ideal. Competition tends to bring out the best in those vying for a common goal.
This is a solid article with good information. I like how Mr. Howard includes all the factors within the FSU QB battle rather than just the surface base facts. GO NOLES!
This fires me up! I agree Golson might not run away with the starting job at quarterback. Jimbo has so many weapons in his arsenal this year with all the young talent he recruited. Can’t wait for the season to start! GO FSU!
This article was almost a sign of things to come. With Johnson being suspended, Francois has an even better chance at becoming a solid backup or even push Golson and Maguire for the starting job.
Man. I like this article. The only big thing here is…Johnson after competing in the spring game and showing signs of promise for FSU later on down the road, and Francois has yet to step on campus. Francois’ buzz could be two things, premature or well deserved. I think that this article does well in not pitting Golson/Maguire/Consentino against the incoming “hotshot” freshman but rather it states facts that are plausible. The outcome of this qb battle is intruiging and will be one of the more publicized issues going into the upcoming college football season.