Colorado State defensive back Tywan Francis is one of the many talented division one players that are currently in the transfer portal looking to find a new college destination.
Francis, a graduate transfer, had a stellar career with the Rams posting 176 tackles, five tackles for loss, 10 passes defended, and forcing two fumbles in 36 total games.
This season, Francis started the first four games for Colorado State where he tallied 36 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and two pass break-ups before entering the transfer portal.
Since entering the portal, Francis has picked up notable offers from Virginia, Troy, Charlotte, Marshall, and Arkansas State. He is still receiving plenty of interest from other programs as well.
The New Orleans, Louisiana native is looking to settle on his new college home within the next month. He discussed his decision to enter the transfer portal and where things currently stand in his new recruiting journey.
On his decision to enter the portal:
"Honestly, I've been at Colorado State since 2018. I've played under three head coaches and three different staffs and three defensive coordinators. I just feel like I needed some stability. I feel like we were very inconsistent and we were dealing with different coaches and that reflected on our record. I just wanted to put myself in a position to play at the next level and be a part of a winning culture."
On programs reaching out to you when you entered the portal:
"It kind of gave me a feeling I already had before with my recruitment in high school. It is kind of different now for me. I'm older now. It was a good feeling, don't get me wrong, but I wasn't as excited as I was back in high school. I've got one more year and I've got one shot to make things right and I'm trying to look for the best opportunity and best situation for me to work in."
On previous relationships with schools that have already reached out:
"At Arkansas State, Coach John Jancek's son, his name is Zac Jancek (defensive analyst). He was our graduate assistant when he was at Colorado State and he's over there at Arkansas State. He got my film in front of Coach (Butch) Jones. Some of the defensive staff that is over there coached my older brother, so I'm pretty familiar with their staff and I also have a friend over there I grew up and played with."
"At Charlotte, one of our linebackers coach that was here (Colorado State), he's the defensive backs coach over at Charlotte, Coach Kap Dede, I had a relationship with him over at CSU. He reached out and said he wanted to give me a scholarship."
"I had a relationship with Troy head coach Jon Sumrall coming out of high school. He was recruiting me tough out of high school. He's the head coach over at Troy now and he offered me a scholarship."
"I have a connection at Virginia as well with a player, Keytaon Thompson, their wide receiver. He was actually my quarterback in high school and we won a state championship together my junior year."
On what's next for him in the transfer process:
"Right now, I'm just weighing out all my options. What's the best situation for me. What's the best situation to walk into. I've been talking to coaches and setting up official visits. Right now, my plan is to take two of those. Those will be the two schools I feel has the most value for me, my goals and what I'm aspriring to do. After I take those officials, that's when I'll make my decision."
On schools he's thinking about:
"Definitely taking an official to Virginia. My second visit is still in the air because I'm still in contact with other schools."
On biggest factors in his decision and choosing his next school:
"I want to be a part of a winning culture. An established culture. I'm looking to come in a be a D1 starter and contribute. Also, I want to put myself in a position to make plays and have fun out there."
On where most coaches like you in the secondary:
"I play nickel and safety. I started out playing nickel my freshman year, then moved to free safety my junior year. Then moved back to nickel this year. I like both positions. But, I feel like nickel showcases my skill set more. I feel like I can make every play at nickel. You're more into the game and everywhere."
