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College football’s top 15 Heisman Trophy candidates heading into spring

By Jerran Anderson

Jan 2, 2017; Pasadena, CA, USA; USC Trojans quarterback Sam Darnold (14) drops back to pass against the Penn State Nittany Lions during the first quarter of the 2017 Rose Bowl game at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2017; Pasadena, CA, USA; USC Trojans quarterback Sam Darnold (14) drops back to pass against the Penn State Nittany Lions during the first quarter of the 2017 Rose Bowl game at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 30, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles quarterback Deondre Francois (12) throws a pass during the first half against Michigan Wolverines at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles quarterback Deondre Francois (12) throws a pass during the first half against Michigan Wolverines at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

Quarterback Deondre Francois had a quite the season in his freshmen year as starter. He threw for 3,350 passing yards and 20 touchdowns. He also ran for 198 yards and five rushing touchdowns.

Francois finished top 10 in the ACC in passing yards, passing touchdowns and passing efficiency (142.1) in 2016. He completed 33-of-52 passes for 419 passing yards and two touchdowns in the team’s season opening 45-34 victory over Ole Miss.

With the departure of running back Dalvin Cook and others on offense, Francois could see his role in the offense increase. He completed 58.8 percent of his passes last season, ninth in the conference.

The ACC is anybody’s to win with Clemson having to reload on both sides of the ball. Francois will have early enrollee running back Cam Akers to bring along with him this spring. If the two can co-exist and Francois can find another downfield threat, look for his name in the Heisman race.

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