Francois credits weight training, preparation with overcoming big hits

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FORT LAUDERDALE -- Whenever the subject of Deondre Francois comes up, the discussion typically turns to how he performs in games and practices.

On Wednesday, Florida State's offensive players took a different tact when talking about the team's first-year starting quarterback. They discussed the physical punishment he sustained during a sometimes brutal freshman season and how his handling of those hits paid dividends for the entire team.

"He approached the situation like a pro," senior fullback Freddie Stevenson said. "He came in the treatment room early and was getting multiple treatment sessions a day. He was out there trying to play. A lot of players, they'd probably be trying to sleep in and different things. He approached it with maturity."

Francois, who passed for 3,128 yards, 18 touchdowns and six interceptions this season, was sacked 32 times and hurried on 22 occasions. The sacks are the 15th most for any FBS quarterback.

To handle that punishment, Francois said he works overtime on preparing his body and his mind.

"Just lifting and taking care of your body, especially at a young age," Francois said. "Not a lot of guys really harp on that when they're young. They feel like they can just run around and be loose all the time.

"But as the season goes on, the toll starts to kick in."