After suffering injury, OSU’s Francies is adjusting to practice

It only took one week before Coye Francies ended practice, limping into the training room for treatment.

A minor groin pull has slowed him down. That’s something to be expected for a newcomer to the Oregon State football team in his situation.

The midyear junior college transfer is trying to make a quick adjustment to the next level, and pushed himself a little too hard. Healing fast becomes important because mobility is a vital aspect of the game for the cornerback.

He’s recovered enough for the second week to maintain his furious pace in spring practice.

“It’s going pretty well,” Francies said of the first five workouts of the spring. “I just have to step up my game if I want to get the opportunity to play in the games.”

Francies was brought into the program with high expectations. The 6-foot-1, 190-pounder should fortify the defensive secondary, but coach Mike Riley wants more out of him.

He doesn’t recruit junior college players for depth, but rather to compete for starting spots. Francies is on the second string right now, backing up Keenan Lewis on the left side. That could change by the time the first game is played in late August.

“I just want to come in and make a contribution to the team, and hopefully get on the field and be an impact,” Francies said. “I’m very excited. I just pray it’s in the Lord’s will that I excel at this level and stay healthy. And everybody around me stays healthy. I’d be happy if that happened.”

So far, so good from cornerback coach Nigel Burton’s perspective. He’s picking up the coverage system fast and should be ready for action after fall camp.

“He’s a quick learner and a hard worker,” Burton said. “We are expecting some good things from him, and he’ll have an opportunity.”

Francies came from American River College in Sacramento, Calif. He made a name for himself with a knack for finding the ball, which is something OSU desperately needs.

The Beavers were beaten up with the long ball last season. The pass defense was the last in the Pacific-10 Conference, allowing 298.7 yards a game and 16.3 a catch.

Two redshirt freshmen were at the corners. While they improved and are the starters at this point, Francies is at least an insurance policy and maybe more.

“He’s a bright-eyed guy who brings an enthusiasm and maturity to what we are doing,” defensive coordinator Mark Banker said. “We’ve seen some good things out of him.”

Francies was the Mid-Empire Conference Defensive MVP and a first-team JC All-American with American River. He led the state in interceptions with 11, and was ranked third in California in kickoff returns with an average of 17.4 yards.

To pick off that many passes, Francies was aggressive and took chances. He attributes his success to having good eyes, being able to read the offense. And it’s his ability to recover that helped him get out of trouble many times.

While it’s his athletic prowess that sets him apart, the Beavers want their defenders to be smart, too. And Francies doesn’t seem fazed by what it takes to be a cornerback at this level.

“I just need a better concept of the system, but that will come soon,” Francies said. “And then I’ll start making plays.”

Adjusting to college life has been more difficult than playing, and he is glad he enrolled in the winter term. The first two weeks of the spring term has been a challenge, balancing school and football.

However, he’s comfortable in his surroundings. It was the family atmosphere the coaching staff displayed to him during recruiting that drew him here because he’s a family-oriented person.

“It’s not that difficult, but you have to manage your time well,” Francies said. “That’s my hardest thing. I’m trying to manage the classes and trying to learn a whole new university atmosphere. I feel exhausted sometimes, but it’s not something I can’t do. And I’m excited for the fall.”