Coye Francies has it covered

JC transfer cornerback is turning heads in OSU’s spring practice

By Kerry Eggers

The Portland Tribune, Apr 25, 2006, Updated Oct 30, 2009

CORVALLIS Ñ Tailback Patrick Fuller was making a beeline to the end zone on the left side of the field, but Coye Francies had an angle and a prayer.

The transfer cornerback from American River College in Sacramento, Calif., coming all the way from the other side of the field, gave chase and ran Fuller down at the 3-yard line after a 51-yard gallop in Oregon State’s scrimmage last Saturday at Reser Stadium.

“Nothing special,” Francies shrugs. “I felt it was like my job. You never quit on the football field. You have to have the will to never stop.”

Coach Mike Riley obviously felt it was special. He made an example of Francies’ play in his post-scrimmage talk to the players, comparing it to Al Afalava’s hustle play in coming from behind and punching the ball from a Washington State player headed for paydirt last year.

“Al probably saved that game for us, and what Coye did reminded me of that,” Riley says. “That’s typical of his work ethic. He’s a great athlete, but the thing I really like about him is his character is top of the line.”

The 6-1, 175-pound Francies was one of the most coveted of Oregon State’s recruits in February. OSU coaches believe he is the total package.

“A great athlete, very competitive and very strong academically,” defensive coordinator Mark Banker says. “I don’t think we’re going to have to worry about him in the classroom.”

Francies is a polite young man who addresses a reporter with “yes, sir” several times during a short interview. He also is a Christian who shares his strong faith with Sammie Stroughter, Oregon State’s wide receiver/punt return specialist and a longtime friend. Stroughter was the main reason Francies, who had verbally committed to Washington, decided to sign instead with the Beavers.

“Sammie has great character, and we’ve always talked a lot,” Francies says. “I know he’ll be there for me, that we can talk about things and he’ll help me through the transition of coming here.”

Francies comes from a family with five children. His only brother, Diamond Francies, plays defensive back for Sacramento State. Stepfather Paris Richardson works at Raley’s Distribution Center and mother Beverly Richardson is employed with the state of California. He says the “familylike atmosphere” in Corvallis appeals to him.

“That’s another reason I came here,” he says. “Everybody in Corvallis seems friendly. There are a lot of ‘people’ people here. You kind of have an extended family in the community. I’m from a big city, but family is important.”

Freshman cornerbacks Keenan Lewis and Brandon Hughes struggled in starting roles last season, and OSU coaches were looking for immediate help at the position. Francies fits the bill. Last season at American River, he led the national junior college ranks with 11 interceptions and had four returns for touchdowns Ñ three on kickoffs and one on a punt.

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