Former Florida State quarterback Deondre Francois finally has a home. After months of speculation regarding where he would land, it was reported that Francois has gone the FCS route and enrolled at Hampton University. Since he is moving down a level, Francois is immediately eligible and many expect him to start the year as the No. 1 quarterback.
BREAKING: The latest addition to Hampton University‘s football roster is former Florida State QB Deondre François. He’s here for the first day of fall camp. He’s a grad transfer with immediate eligibility. (1/4)
— Dave Johnson (@DaveJohnsonDP) August 2, 2019
Deondre Francois was dismissed from the Florida State program in February of this year after video emerged of a domestic dispute between Francois and his girlfriend. It was the second alleged incident between Francois and his girlfriend, and Willie Taggart did not waste much time in making the move.
Back in May, Francois stated that he hoped to walk-on under Lane Kiffin at Florida Atlantic, but that never came to pass. He was never seen at a practice and Kiffin denied that Francois was on the roster for the upcoming season. The quarterback then started to look at FCS schools and visited Alabama State in mid-June, but he never enrolled in the university.
No one seemed to have any clue what Francois’ plans were for the upcoming season until word broke today. Dave Johnson of the Daily Press alerted everyone earlier today and posted pictures of the quarterback taking part in one of Hampton’s practices.
New HU QB Deondre Francois in practice. pic.twitter.com/7Ka3foba5j
— Dave Johnson (@DaveJohnsonDP) August 2, 2019
Hampton is entering its first season in the Big South Conference. Although the Pirates went 7-3 in 2018, their schedule was haphazardly put together and filled with teams in lower divisions than the FCS. The Pirates had previously been in the MEAC, but as a result of their decision to switch conferences, no MEAC teams would face them, forcing the school to scrap together a schedule as quickly as possible.
The school went 2-3 against FCS foes last year. Hampton was blown out 44-0 by a good Northern Iowa team and the Pirates lost by 28 points to Monmouth and 34 points to Charleston Southern. They were able to nip Presbyterian 24-23, but the Blue Hose are transitioning into a program that doesn’t offer scholarships, and Hampton beat Mississippi Valley State 54-39 in Itta Bena.
