A bright, passionate, and caring person, Francis poured himself into his craft as a player and his academic pursuit of becoming an engineer. Francis passed away the afternoon of September 18, 2021.

In the classroom, he was as big of a star as on the field, becoming a multiple-time U SPORTS Academic All-Canadian while studying Mechanical Engineering. Originally from Sherbrooke, Que., Francis first joined the Gee-Gees football team in 2017. His love for the game was present in his play, but even more so in the relationships he built with his teammates.

Francis' memory will live on through a vast network of loving family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched.

CAREER HONOURS 

• 2021 U SPORTS Russ Jackson Award Winner
• 2021 OUA Russ Jackson Award Winner
• 3x U SPORTS Academic All-Canadian (2018-19, 2019-20, 2020-21)

Earned U SPORTS Academic All-Canadian honours for the second consecutive year. Appeared and played in six regular season games and one postseason game in his third year of eligibility, including six starts and a start in Ottawa’s only postseason game. Had his best game in a 25-22 home victory against Laurier (09/14/19) recording four solo tackles and two assisted tackles. Finished the season with 14 total tackles (11 solo, six assisted), one sack, 2.5 tackles for a loss, one fumble recovery for a touchdown in the Panda Game (10/05/19), and two pass breakups.

SECOND YEAR (2018)

Earned U SPORTS Academic All-Canadian honours. Appeared and played in every regular season and postseason game in his second year of eligibility, including eight starts and a start in Ottawa’s only postseason game. Finished the regular season with his best game in an away victory against Queens (10/20/18) recording four solo tackles, two assisted tackles, one sack, two tackles for a loss, and a forced fumble. Finished the season with 15.5 total tackles (10 solo, 11 assisted), three sacks, 2.5 tackles for a loss, a forced fumble, and a pass breakup. 

FIRST YEAR (2017)

Appeared and played in every regular season and postseason game as a true freshman. Had his best game in an away victory against York (09/09/17) recording two solo tackles and four assisted tackles. Finished the season with 15.5 total tackles (eight solo, 15 assisted), a tackle for loss, and a pass breakup. 

BEFORE THE GEE-GEES

Attended Cégep de Sherbrooke in Sherbrooke, Que…Played on the varsity football team from 2014 to 2016. Led the RSEQ Division 2 conference with 12 sacks in the 2016 season, earning Defensive Player of the Year, Defensive Lineman of the Year and conference all-star team honours.