Of the Maryland Terrapins who seemed likely to leave after experiencing year one of the Randy Edsall regime, fun-loving defensive tackle A.J. Francis appeared a primary candidate.
After all, there were times last year when Francis seemed a forgotten player. After starting the first two games, Francis started only once more the rest of the year. On an injury-riddled defense that was so strapped it had to start freshmen and burn redshirts, Francis was ready, willing, and able, but rarely got the call. First he was replaced in the lineup by converted offensive lineman Maurice Hampton. Later, undersized freshman Andre Monroe took over Francis’ slot.
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But on Monday as Maryland opened preseason camp, Francis is atop the depth chart at nose guard in the Terps new 3-4 scheme. When asked his role, Francis joked that it was to ensure All-America teammate Joe Vellano breaks the program record for tackles for a down lineman.
“It’s clear the reason he’s getting all his tackles,” Francis said. “Everyone’s running away from me.”
By graduating last year, Francis could have transferred to another school without sitting out a year.
“I grew up in Maryland. I couldn’t see myself playing for anybody else,” Francis said. “I love this school. Anybody that tells you they didn’t think about transferring is a liar. I definitely thought about it. But at the end of the day, where would I go?”
In regaining a starting job, it appears Francis is benefiting from the Terps’ shift from a 4-3 to a 3-4. The new scheme requires a player with the size of Francis (6-5, 305) to occupy the middle. The Gonzaga product and resident of Severn sounds happy to have remained home.
“I love the fact that if something happens at my house I can be there in 25 minutes. I love the fact that my family’s here. Everybody I grew up with is still here,” Francis said. “I love the school, and the fact that I graduated in December and was already accepted to a really prestigious grad program. At the end of the season, I will be halfway to my masters [degree]. I couldn’t see myself leaving.”
One group happy to see Francis back are reporters. As an entertaining speaker, he is a first-team All-American.
