FAMU football running back De'Andre Francis returns 'wiggle' to backfield ahead of SC State
After a two-week absence, tformer Rickards standout and current Florida A&M (3-2, 2-1 SWAC) running back De'Andre Francis is back.
Francis is reported to return on Saturday against South Carolina State after being out against Alabama A&M and Mississippi Valley after sustaining an injury after taking a 'pretty brutal hit' at a Week 3 practice.
On Tuesday, the 5-foot-7, 173-pounder, received his share of reps during offensive drills. He displayed the shiftiness he possess after rushing up the A-gap and putting a juke move that floored a defensive teammate during practice.
"De'Andre is the one really, really fast guy we have in the backfield — the other backs are bigger and are more one cut, downhill guys," FAMU coach Willie Simmons said. ,
"He's got some wiggle that can take it to distance much like Bishop Bonnett last year."
Francis took on the primary ball carrier position in the Rattlers Week 2's game Albany State in the absence of Terrell Jennings, A.J. Davis, and Jaylen McCloud.
He rushed 18 times for 79 yards, and scored his first collegiate touchdown on the way to a 23-13 win for FAMU before his injury.
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The utilization of Francis
Francis, the smallest of the Rattlers' rotational running back group, has the most quickness in the room.
His breakaway speed can help FAMU escape from last place in the SWAC yardage as it tallies 155 carries for 440 yards (2.8 yards per carry), and six touchdowns.
Jennings and McCloud are both over 6-feet and weigh over 220 pounds. The duo are power backs that thrive in short yard situations. They combined for 17 carries, 101 rushing yards, and two touchdowns against Mississippi Valley.
Davis, 6-foot-1, 215 pounds, is penciled in to return with Francis after recovering from a high ankle sprain and missing the last three games.
"It's really good to have them back," Simmons said.
"I think bringing that change of pace back will be really good for us being that (South Carolina State) will see Jaylen McCloud, Terrell Jennings, and A.J. Davis — and then you throw De'Andre with his speed and quickness.
"(Francis) may catch them off guard and have some explosive plays."
Gerald Thomas III covers FAMU athletics for the Tallahassee Democrat. Contact him via email at gdthomas@gannett.com or on Twitter @3peatgee.
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This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FAMU Football: Rickards alum, Francis to return to backfield against SCSU
