Deondre Francois looks set to play this year, at Hampton

Deondre Francois is going to play college football this year after all, as he has landed at Hampton.

The college football odyssey of Deondre Francois will indeed continue this year. According to the Daily Press, the one-time top-100 prospect enrolled at Hampton this week and was on the practice field Friday morning.

Since being named ACC Rookie of the Year in 2016 while at Florida State, it’s been a heck of a fall for Francois. He was injured in the 2017 season opener, then had an inconsistent run as the Seminoles’ starter in Willie Taggart’s first season in 2018.

Francois was dismissed from Florida State during the spring, after video of a domestic violence incident with his then-girlfriend surfaced. Charges did not move forward, as the woman recanted the accusation, but it was enough to tarnish Francois as he looked for a place to land as a transfer.

In May, Francois seemed likely to land at Florida Atlantic as a walk-on under Lane Kiffin. But last week Kiffin confirmed Francois would not be coming, and the quarterback’s options were automatically narrowed to FCS schools. Alabama State was reportedly another school that interested him.

Hampton head coach Robert Prunty welcomed Francois with open arms.

"I am very happy that Deondre Francois is joining our program,” said coach Robert Prunty. “He is a cerebral football player with unbelievable athletic ability. More importantly, he is an outstanding young man who graduated Florida State in three-and-a-half years. We are ecstatic to have Deondre Francois in our program."

After Friday morning’s practice, Francois embraced his fresh start and being able to operate off the radar.

"It’s a blessing to be here,” Francois said after Friday morning’s practice. “Coming to a smaller school like this, it gives me a chance to focus.“I was in the spotlight at Florida State, but coming to Hampton, it gives me the opportunity to be in a more family-oriented program. In a smaller atmosphere, I can focus on my schoolwork and stay out of trouble"

Francois is immediately eligible as a grad transfer, and it would be an upset if he’s not the starter when Hampton opens their season against Elizabeth City State on Aug. 31. What happens from there, including landing somewhere on the NFL’s radar heading toward the 2020 draft, is up to him.