FSU’s Francois and James Named to Maxwell Watch List

Big things are expected of Florida State quarterback Deondre Francois and safety Derwin James as redshirt sophomores in 2017 and the hype has already started.

The FSU signal-caller and do-everything safety were each named to the Maxwell Award watch list on Monday. Francois started all 13 games last season for FSU, leading the Seminoles to 10 wins, an Orange Bowl victory and a top-10 finish.

The Maxwell Award is given by the Maxwell Football Club to the nation’s best all-around player every year since 1937. The only previous winner for FSU was quarterback Charlie Ward back in 1993.

Francois was named ACC Rookie of the Year in 2016, accounting for 3,350 yards passing and 25 total touchdowns. Francois was a 4-time ACC Rookie of the Week last season.

James made the list despite playing in just two games last season, recording 11 tackles and an interception before going down with a season-ending meniscus tear. James did everything for FSU as a true freshman in 2015.

Mike Ferguson is the editor of The Daily Nole. Follow Mike on Twitter @MikeWFerguson