University of Memphis Athletics
Photo by: Joe Murphy
Get To Know Me: Jacobi Francis
Sep 28, 2018 | Football
Sophomore defensive back has one fumble recovery, one forced fumble this season.
Note: The Jacobi Francis "Get To Know Me" first appeared in the Tigers Football GameDay program Sept. 14 when Memphis hosted Georgia State.
A year ago this weekend, not many Tigers fans had heard of him. However, by the end of the University of Memphis' thrilling 48-45 home victory over No. 25-ranked UCLA nearly last season, all of Tiger Nation knew Jacobi Francis.
In fact, it was his critical defensive play with just seconds remaining that sealed the Tigers' win.
After Memphis turned the ball over with three minutes to play in regulation, UCLA took over at its 20-yard line with the chance to tie or win the game. The Bruins quickly moved the ball across midfield and faced a fourth-and-5 situation with just over a minute left. UCLA quarterback Josh Rosen looked to pass and… well, let Francis tell it:
"Throughout the game, they kept running a similar formation. I had watched that play in film study all week, so I just stayed on my man and did my job. Coach (Chris) Ball tells us that if we do our job, the ball will find you."
The ball found Francis' hand, which knocked Rosen's attempt to the ground with :56 on the clock. Incomplete. Tigers win!
"The feeling was great after I knocked down the pass," said Francis, who made his collegiate debut against UCLA. "It was my first college play to make. It was our biggest game at the time last year, and I was blessed to have the opportunity. The rest of the year I tried to keep making plays."
Francis continued to shine in the defensive backfield. After the UCLA contest, the Covington, Ga., native played the final 11 games of the season, including the AutoZone Liberty Bowl. He logged a season-high two tackles on two occasions against Houston and Iowa State.
Let's learn more about Francis away from the field.
I started playing football… Around 4 to 5-years-old. I played quarterback, running back and safety. I was an athlete so I played pretty much every position. I always liked playing defense more. I guess I just like to make hits.
My most embarrassing moment on the football field was… my junior year in high school, I was running down the field and I tripped and fell. A couple people saw it when it actually happened, but it was on the coaches' film so it was kind of embarrassing for all of my teammates to see it later. That's football and things like that happen.
The social media platforms I enjoy the most are… Instagram and Twitter
When not at practice, you'll find me… Shopping; buying some type of clothes and shoes. I'm big on fashion.
This past summer, I… Went home to Atlanta and spent some time with my family
If I won the lottery, I would… Spend it on my mom and my younger brother
If I were a superhero, the super power I'd like to have is… Read minds
If I didn't play football, I'd play… Baseball because it's a thinking game and you have to have good hand-eye coordination. I played baseball growing up. Baseball is my second favorite sport.
#1 thing on my "bucket list"… Travel to Germany because of the fashion there and across Europe
Favorite meal my mom cooks… Anything seafood  (specifically étouffée)
The other sports I played growing up were… Basketball, baseball, soccer. I enjoyed playing soccer because it helped my footwork when playing football.
Nobody can believe I watch (television show)… Pretty Little Liars
One word that best describes me is… Different
My favorite television show growing up was… Rugrats
My favorite website is… Zara.com (fashion retail site)
If I could have dinner with anyone, it would be with… Jamal Adams (NFL's New York Jets)
The most famous person I met was… Eric Berry (NFL's Kansas City Chiefs)
Dream job is… To be a fashion designer
A year ago this weekend, not many Tigers fans had heard of him. However, by the end of the University of Memphis' thrilling 48-45 home victory over No. 25-ranked UCLA nearly last season, all of Tiger Nation knew Jacobi Francis.
In fact, it was his critical defensive play with just seconds remaining that sealed the Tigers' win.
After Memphis turned the ball over with three minutes to play in regulation, UCLA took over at its 20-yard line with the chance to tie or win the game. The Bruins quickly moved the ball across midfield and faced a fourth-and-5 situation with just over a minute left. UCLA quarterback Josh Rosen looked to pass and… well, let Francis tell it:
"Throughout the game, they kept running a similar formation. I had watched that play in film study all week, so I just stayed on my man and did my job. Coach (Chris) Ball tells us that if we do our job, the ball will find you."
The ball found Francis' hand, which knocked Rosen's attempt to the ground with :56 on the clock. Incomplete. Tigers win!
"The feeling was great after I knocked down the pass," said Francis, who made his collegiate debut against UCLA. "It was my first college play to make. It was our biggest game at the time last year, and I was blessed to have the opportunity. The rest of the year I tried to keep making plays."
Francis continued to shine in the defensive backfield. After the UCLA contest, the Covington, Ga., native played the final 11 games of the season, including the AutoZone Liberty Bowl. He logged a season-high two tackles on two occasions against Houston and Iowa State.
Let's learn more about Francis away from the field.
I started playing football… Around 4 to 5-years-old. I played quarterback, running back and safety. I was an athlete so I played pretty much every position. I always liked playing defense more. I guess I just like to make hits.
My most embarrassing moment on the football field was… my junior year in high school, I was running down the field and I tripped and fell. A couple people saw it when it actually happened, but it was on the coaches' film so it was kind of embarrassing for all of my teammates to see it later. That's football and things like that happen.
The social media platforms I enjoy the most are… Instagram and Twitter
When not at practice, you'll find me… Shopping; buying some type of clothes and shoes. I'm big on fashion.
This past summer, I… Went home to Atlanta and spent some time with my family
If I won the lottery, I would… Spend it on my mom and my younger brother
If I were a superhero, the super power I'd like to have is… Read minds
If I didn't play football, I'd play… Baseball because it's a thinking game and you have to have good hand-eye coordination. I played baseball growing up. Baseball is my second favorite sport.
#1 thing on my "bucket list"… Travel to Germany because of the fashion there and across Europe
Favorite meal my mom cooks… Anything seafood  (specifically étouffée)
The other sports I played growing up were… Basketball, baseball, soccer. I enjoyed playing soccer because it helped my footwork when playing football.
Nobody can believe I watch (television show)… Pretty Little Liars
One word that best describes me is… Different
My favorite television show growing up was… Rugrats
My favorite website is… Zara.com (fashion retail site)
If I could have dinner with anyone, it would be with… Jamal Adams (NFL's New York Jets)
The most famous person I met was… Eric Berry (NFL's Kansas City Chiefs)
Dream job is… To be a fashion designer
Players Mentioned
DB
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