Francis ready for new role as Tigers’ No. 1 cornerback
The Commercial Appeal is counting down the 10 most important Memphis football players before practice begins in August.
At No. 6: Cornerback Jacobi Francis, who started the previous two seasons along with three games in 2018.
Jacobi Francis wore No. 32 in his first four seasons at Memphis but he changed it to No. 1 during spring practice.
There wasn’t a specific reason behind it except the senior cornerback has a different outlook for his final season with the Tigers
“It really wasn’t a big significance behind it. It was just having fun and being free this year,” Francis said.
With TJ Carter now at TCU, Francis has a bigger spotlight on him. He had two interceptions last season, including one against AAC champion Cincinnati.
Now that he’s set as the team’s No. 1 cornerback, more is required to fix a pass defense that ranked among the nation’s worst in 2020.
Why Francis is important
Memphis faces five receivers on four teams - SMU, UCF, Tulsa, Mississippi State - that were named to the Biletnikoff Award preseason watch list. That doesn’t include Temple’s Jadan Blue, who had three touchdowns and 115 yards against the Tigers last season.
It’s up to Francis to keep those receivers in check. Memphis was second-to-last among AAC teams in passing yards allowed and it starts with him becoming even more of a lockdown corner.
One could argue who starts opposite Francis is even more important than he is. That new or returning player will be the focus of teams trying to avoid Francis and that’s where Memphis faced most of its problems last season.
Michigan State transfer Julian Barnett made a good impression with an interception in the spring game. Sylvonta Oliver was inconsistent at times last season and La’andre Thomas, who is back after opting out in 2020, will see time at cornerback as well as safety where he started in 2019.
However, Francis sets the tone. His number has changed but his mindset hasn’t and that’s a good thing for a secondary that has to improve.