College Football: 10 players who will make 2017 the year of the quarterback

5. Deondre Francois – Florida State Seminoles

Coming into the 2016 season, one of the big questions that Jimbo Fisher and the Florida State Seminoles faced was what to do at quarterback. Essentially, the predicament came down to starting a veteran, Sean Maguire, or redshirt freshman Deondre Francois. Fisher elected for the latter option and there’s no reason for him to regret the decision.

While the early results for the Seminoles were less than ideal, the progression of Florida State and Francois were phenomenal over the year. The redshirt freshman was inconsistent sure, but ultimately finished with a season that has to have the Noles salivating for the future. Francoise finished 2016 throwing for 3,350 yards, 20 scores and seven picks while adding five rushing touchdowns.

Certainly the last look that FSU fans got of their quarterback of the future left an odd taste in their mouths. Yes, the Seminoles picked up the thrilling Orange Bowl victory over the Michigan Wolverines, but Francois completed just nine of his 27 throws on the night for 222 yards, two scores and an interception, adding a rushing touchdown as well.

Stats aside, though, what Francois did show in the win over Jim Harbaugh’s group was the development of his leadership. When the pressure ramped up on the big stage, the lights weren’t too bright and the youngster made plays. Now with that experience working his favor as he enters Year 2 as the starter, Francoise could be in store for a massive output. Yes, Fisher’s teams are always going to thrive on the run, even in a post-Dalvin Cook world. However, Fisher would be doing his team a disservice to not put his faith in his quarterback.