Kevin Francis (Canadian football)

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Kevin Francis
No. 28     Saskatchewan Roughriders
2019, 29, Kevin Francis.jpg
Francis before a Redblacks game in 2019.
Born: (1993-06-05) June 5, 1993 (age 28)
Toronto, Ontario
Career information
StatusActive
CFL statusNational
Position(s)Linebacker
Height6 ft 6 in (198 cm)
Weight233 lb (106 kg)
CollegeNorth Carolina A&T
CFL draft2016 / Round: Supplemental
Drafted bySaskatchewan Roughriders
Career history
As player
2016–2018Saskatchewan Roughriders
2019Ottawa Redblacks
2020BC Lions*
2021–presentSaskatchewan Roughriders
*Offseason and/or practice squad member only
Career stats

Kevin Francis (born June 5, 1993) is a professional Canadian football linebacker for the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League (CFL). He played as a tight end during his college football career with the North Carolina A&T Aggies.[1]

Professional career[]

Saskatchewan Roughriders[]

After going undrafted in the 2016 NFL Draft, Francis declared eligible for the 2016 CFL Supplemental Draft after informing the league that he was born in Toronto, Ontario.[2] He was drafted by the Roughriders on May 25, 2016, who forfeited a third round selection in the 2017 CFL Draft to acquire his rights. Upon entering 2016 training camp, Francis switched to the defensive side of the ball after previously playing on offence in college. He made his CFL debut on June 30, 2016 against the Toronto Argonauts, registering his first defensive tackle. He made his first career start at linebacker on October 22, 2016 against the Montreal Alouettes.[1] Francis finished his rookie season having played in all 18 regular season games where he recorded 12 defensive tackles, 13 special teams tackles, and one forced fumble.

In 2017, Francis played in 15 regular season games where he had three defensive tackles, 10 special teams tackles, and one forced fumble. He suffered a shoulder injury in October and was on the injured list for the last three regular season games and both post-season games.[3][4] To begin the 2018 season, he was placed on the injured list as he rehabbed his injury from 2017.[3] He then played in the remaining 12 games of the regular season where he had six special teams tackles. He also made his post-season debut where he played in the West Final loss to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. He became a free agent in 2019.

Ottawa Redblacks[]

On February 14, 2019, Francis signed with the Ottawa Redblacks to a one-year contract.[5] He played in just seven regular season games, but recorded eight special teams tackles.

BC Lions[]

Francis again entered free agency and signed a one-year deal with the BC Lions on February 11, 2020.[6] However, the 2020 CFL season was cancelled and Francis never played for the Lions.

Saskatchewan Roughriders (II)[]

On February 12, 2021, it was announced that Francis had re-signed with the Saskatchewan Roughriders.[7]

References[]

  1. ^ a b "Kevin Francis embraces all roles in rookie season with Saskatchewan Roughriders". Regina Leader-Post. October 24, 2016.
  2. ^ "Riders add Kevin Francis in CFL Supplemental Draft". Canadian Football League. May 25, 2016.
  3. ^ a b "Notebook: Kevin Francis retu". Canadian Football League. Retrieved February 12, 2021.
  4. ^ "Transactions – Football player trades and signings". Canadian Football League. Retrieved February 12, 2021.
  5. ^ "Redblacks sign Kevin Francis". Ottawa Redblacks. February 14, 2019.
  6. ^ "Lions add free agent linebacker Kevin Francis". BC Lions. February 11, 2020.
  7. ^ "Riders sign Canadian LB Kevin Francis". Canadian Football League. February 12, 2021.

External links[]

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