If your team missed out on a hot-shot quarterback prospect during the early signing period in college football, there’s no need to worry. Why? Well, there are a number of big names available on the transfer market -- which could be set to add yet another accomplished signal-caller to the group soon.
Per The Orlando Sentinel, Florida State QB Deondre Francois is set to leave the program in the coming days and is weighing a departure for the NFL as well as a potential graduate transfer. While it remains to be seen what the senior will wind up doing, it’s pretty clear from the report that his 2019 season will not take place in Tallahassee.
“I know Deondre, he is just graduated, I applaud him for that, for accomplishing one of his dreams,” Seminoles head coach Willie Taggart said Wednesday. “And I know he’s weighing his options in regard to that. But we’re going to support Deondre whatever he decides to do. But that’s where we’re at with that.”
Francois redshirted his first year at FSU and then put together a pretty solid first season as a starter in 2016, throwing for 3,350 yards and 20 touchdowns. His play was a big reason why the Seminoles were ranked in the top five to begin his sophomore season but he was injured in the opening game against Alabama and missed all of 2017. Francois returned to take the starting job in 2018 but had an ineffective campaign behind a porous offensive line and wound up throwing 15 TD’s against 12 interceptions.
While it’s possible he could receive some good feedback from NFL scouts (or simply wants to start cashing checks for playing football), Francois is likely the latest big name at quarterback to possibly be on the move this offseason. While Georgia’s Justin Fields is likely the most sought after, the former Florida State starter will certainly options out there alongside other potential transfers like Alabama’s Jalen Hurts and Notre Dame’s Brandon Wimbush.
No matter how it all shakes out, Francois’ departure is likely big news in Tallahassee for James Blackman, who seems to be the guy under center now for FSU as a junior.