TALLAHASSEE, Fla. _ Deondre Francois believes fellow quarterback James Blackman is making the best of his situation as a true freshman starter for the Seminoles.
Francois, who is sidelined for the season after knee surgery in September, says Blackman is continuing to develop in coach Jimbo Fisher's elaborate pro-style offense less than a year removed from high school.
"What y'all don't understand is James just came from high school. Coming into a system like Florida State's is not an easy task. It's very difficult," Francois said during an Instagram live video post on Tuesday night.
"When quarterbacks come (to FSU), it's good to redshirt, take your time, learn the system, (and) grow because as a quarterback, you need to know what everybody is doing.
"So with that being said, James just came from high school. He's going good. He's doing great for a guy that just came out of high school, learning a new offense which is complicated.
"It's hard for him. In my opinion, he's doing a wonderful job."
Blackman has completed nearly 62 percent of his passes (84 of 136) for 1,047 yards with seven touchdowns and six interceptions through five starts in relief of Francois, who suffered a torn patellar tendon in his left knee during the Seminoles' season-opening loss to Alabama.
Francois started his Instagram video by sharing an update on his injury, briefly showing the scar on his left knee.
"My knee doing good, just wanted to give y'all an update for the fans," Francois said. "The knee is doing much better. I ain't back to where I need to be, but it's doing real good. It's healing up good."
Francois hopes to return to action during spring football, and is already looking forward to FSU's next season opener in Doak Campbell Stadium on Sept. 3, 2018.
"I'll be back on the field next year," Francois said. "Virginia Tech."
Francois also had a message for Florida State fans after the team's disappointing 2-4 start to the 2017 season.
"If you're a real fan, just rock with us ... we'll be back on top," Francois said.
