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Five Early Heisman Trophy Candidates for 2017

By Jerran Anderson

Nov 26, 2016; Louisville, KY, USA; Louisville Cardinals quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) strikes a pose after scoring a touchdown against the Kentucky Wildcats during the second half at Papa John
Nov 26, 2016; Louisville, KY, USA; Louisville Cardinals quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) strikes a pose after scoring a touchdown against the Kentucky Wildcats during the second half at Papa John /
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Nov 26, 2016; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles quarterback Deondre Francois (12) looks to throw the ball during the second half of the game against the Florida Gators at Doak Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2016; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles quarterback Deondre Francois (12) looks to throw the ball during the second half of the game against the Florida Gators at Doak Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports /

4 QB Deondre Francois, Florida State

Quarterback Deondre Francois was the ACC Rookie of the Year and the ACC’s Offensive Rookie of the year this season. His return for his sophomore season will definitely come with added accolades as the Seminoles missed out on the ACC title for the second straight season.

The Seminoles were 9-3 this season but an early injury to highly-rated safety Derwin James played a role in that. With a healthy defense and Francois on offense, Florida State should be back at the top of the ACC next season.

If they are, you can expect to find Francois in the Heisman Trophy discussion. He was seventh in the ACC in passing completion percentage at 60.6 percent. The freshman ranked sixth in passing yards in the conference with 3,128 passing yards. He led all freshman in passing yards this season.

The Seminoles play the Michigan Wolverines in the Orange Bowl on December 30. It will be a good test of character for Francois in terms of what fans should expect in 2017. Expect a high-scoring game as both teams will probably open things up and see what their defenses are made of.

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