Deondre Francois Says He'll Be 'Back Better Than Before' After Knee Surgery

Florida State quarterback Deondre Francois posted a message on social media Tuesday night declaring his knee surgery a "success" and saying he "will be back better than before."

Francois, who suffered a season-ending injury during the Seminoles' loss to Alabama on Saturday, also thanked people for their support:

Florida State head coach Jimbo Fisher said in a press conference Monday the torn patellar tendon the team's starting quarterback suffered is a "very rare thing" for a young athlete.

"He's very disappointed," Fisher said. "He's a guy that wants to play, but he also wants to be there with his teammates. He's very down. Not just for himself, but for his teammates."

Francois was beginning his second season under center for FSU. He completed 58.8 percent of his passes for 3,350 yards with 20 passing touchdowns and seven interceptions in 2016. He added 198 rushing yards and five scores on the ground during his freshman campaign.

The 20-year-old Orlando native completed 19 of his 33 throws for 210 yards with one TD and two picks before getting injured against the Crimson Tide.

James Blackman is set to assume the reins of the Seminoles offense with Francois sidelined. J.J. Cosentino will move into the backup role.

Florida State, which dropped from No. 3 to No. 10 in the Associated Press poll following the Alabama loss, is scheduled to play Louisiana Monroe on Saturday in its home opener at Doak Campbell Stadium.