I love walk-ons. I love them because any walk-on that lasts more than a year in a college football program is tough, both mentally and physically.
On today’s Countdown To Kickoff blog, here’s a shout out to Iowa State’s 2016 Outstanding Walk-On Award winner, No. 41 Chris Francis.
Francis quietly filled a significant role on last year’s Iowa State football team – handling kickoffs for the entire season. Francis, now a junior, tallied 35 touchbacks in 67 attempts.
He will be in the middle of a battle to be Iowa State’s top placekicker when camp starts next week with a graduate transfer out of Oregon State Garrett Owens.
Right now, it’s a toss-up to see who will replace the all-time leading scorer in Iowa State history – Cole Netten.