Interview: 2018 California 3-Star OLB Craig “KK” Francois is Parlaying Gridiron Play to Recruiting Trail Success
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
One of the toughest teams in California’s Division-III football field during the 2016 season was Cathedral High School. The Phantoms raced to an 11-1 record in large part thanks to a suffocating defense that only allowed an average of 14 points per game. One of the key contributors to the Phantoms’ success last season shutting down offenses was outside linebacker/defensive end Craig “KK” Francois.
Francois by all accounts had a breakout season during his junior campaign harassing the opposition for 75 total tackles, 36 of which were solo, 24 tackles for a loss, 6.5 sacks, 10 quarterback hurries, six passes batted down, and one forced fumble. Game after game, snap after snap, the 6-2, 215 pound, defender was relentless off the edge using a combination of speed and power moves on passing downs to alter the outcome of plays while setting the edge on plays to his side or showing great quickness and speed chasing down a doomed running play going the other way.
The mix of speed, athleticism, power, and productivity has led to a very productive spring on the recruiting trail with offers coming in from Washington State, Colorado State, and San Jose State while programs like Oregon State, Wyoming, Utah, Hawaii and Boise State have taken notice. Francois has an opportunity to showcase his skills against some of the best talent in the region with a planned attendance at the Oakland Nike Regional on May 21. In addition, a couple of tentative dates on the college camp circuit will help boost his recruiting stock value before his senior season begins.
In a Recruiting News Guru stylized interview, I sat down with one of the rising stars in California’s 2018 class to get his thoughts on his junior campaign, his off-season workouts, and an update on his booming recruiting process.
Interview
KK, you are listed as an outside linebacker but get dirty in the trenches as an end with your hand on the ground. Do you see yourself as an outside linebacker or as an end?
“I see myself as a 3-4 outside linebacker. In the future, in college, most programs are offering me as a standup outside linebacker in 3-4 defense.”
Have you always played defensive end/linebacker?
“I have played end since my freshman year.”
You did a fantastic job of applying pressure on passing downs against the opposition last season, how did you develop your pass rush?
“During the season I was working with a personal defensive line coach. Around mid-season is when we started. That is when I started developing my pass rush moves.”
At this stage in your career, which aspect of your game is better your pass rush or run stop?
“I think my run stop. I had 24 tackles for a loss last season. We had a lot of games against running teams. The Angelus League has a lot of running teams. I’m still trying to get better as a pass rusher, I still have room to improve.”
What are you working on during the spring and summer to fine-tune before your senior season?
“I’m working on my coverages skills and getting back into coverage. I want to be familiar with that before college so it won’t be too unfamiliar then. Playing 7v7, I am working as an outside linebacker with drops and different coverages.”
Where all will we see you on the field during your senior year?
“My coaches are saying outside linebacker, defensive end, and middle linebacker.”
Have you maxed out in the weight room this spring?
“I have. My bench is 315 and my squat is 495.”
Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you?
“Oregon State, Wyoming, Utah, Hawaii, and Boise State.”
You have three offers, correct?
“Yes, sir.”
Which program was the latest to offer?
“Colorado State last Tuesday.”
How did CSU offer you?
“Coach Terry Fair (cornerbacks coach) came up to our school to talk to me. Coach Fair told me he wanted to offer me a scholarship.”
Have you participated in any camps so far this spring?
“I went to a Rivals camp last month.”
Do you have any exposure camps coming up that you might attend?
“I’m planning on going to the Nike Regional in Oakland. Our coach normally takes us up there.”
Do you plan on attending any college camps this summer?
“I plan on attending camps at USC and UCLA, maybe San Diego State too.”
Do you have any unofficial visits planned coming up?
“I’m trying to go to San Jose State for a quick visit. I want to see their program and their facilities, maybe Arizona this summer too.”
What are college coaches telling you they like about your game?
“They like my pass rush and quickness off the ball. They like my athleticism and my speed.”
What do you do for fun outside of football related activities?
“I usually go the beach with my friends or go to the movies. I usually kick back at home on the weekends.”
Last question. When your time comes to make your verbal commitment, what will that school have showed you and/or informed you about their program to make that program the right place for you?
“I want a school where I am comfortable. I want a good relationship with the coaching staff. I want a good vibe with the head coach and my position coach. I also want to make sure they have my major. If all things are equal, which school has the best program for my major.”
What are you looking at majoring in once in college?
“I’ve been thinking about majoring in African-American history.”
What would you like to do with your degree when your playing days are over?
“I would like to coach football when I am done playing football.”
KK, thanks for your time today and good luck with your upcoming camps.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credit: recruitingnewsguru.com; Craig “KK” Francois (May 2017).
Photo credit: hudl.com; No. 13 Craig “KK” Francois pre-snap 2016.