After several weeks on the road, the Florida coaching staff has returned to the sunshine state for the start of spring football among the high school ranks to evaluate the instate prospects on their radar.
On Thursday, running backs coach Brian White made the trip down to Bradenton to see quarterback Deondre Francois (6-1, 192, Bradenton, FL IMG Academy) and check on his interest in the Gators.
“Coach [Brian] White came by IMG on Thursday to see me throw and practice,” Francois said. “It went well; I put on a show for him. I got a chance to call him after practice and he said that he knew what I could do on the field but he asked if I was still interested in Florida and if they were still in my top. I told him yes they were but that I’m still taking my time with my decision and looking at everything.”
Francois has a great relationship with Brian White but he says he talks to the head man Will Muschamp and to offensive coordinator Kurt Roper the most.
“I still talk to Florida quite a bit, usually once a week or so,” Francois said. “I usually talk to Coach Roper or Coach Muschamp. I sometimes talk to Coach White. Coach Roper just tells me that he wants to get me to Florida and win a national championship with them. Coach Roper said that I could be a big part of their game plan because I fit his offense so well.”
This spring Francois has had coaches from all over the country visiting him and watching him throw and that has caused him to shake up his leaderboard some.
“My top group is Oregon, Tennessee, Florida State, Ohio State and Florida, of course,” Francois said. “Auburn is up there too. Oregon just offered me a few weeks ago after they saw me throw in person.”
A decision almost happened for Francois last week but he says he got cold feet and decided to wait a little longer.
“I’m trying to wait until July to make a decision,” Francois said. “I was thinking about doing it last week but I decided not to do it and just wait a little longer. I need to make sure I visit everyone before I do anything like that.
Before a final decision comes in July the dual-threat quarterback plans to take a few visits out of state as well as visiting the Gators instate rival.
“This summer I’m going to go to Oregon, Ohio State and Tennessee on June 7th,” Francois said. “I’ve already been to Florida State but I’m going to go back again. I’m not sure about another visit to Florida or not before I decide.”