Bucknell University Athletics
Bucknell Football's Joseph Francis Earns Patriot League Rookie of the Week Honor
9/28/2009 8:00:00 AM | Football
Sept. 28, 2009
LEWISBURG, Pa. - Bucknell freshman football player Joseph Francis (Arlington, Texas/Juan Seguin) earned his first career start this past Saturday against Marist and recorded a career-high nine tackles. For his efforts, he was awarded the Patriot League Rookie of the Week on Monday.
Francis, who came off the bench each of the first three weeks of the season, started in place of an injured Brigham Farrand at linebacker and had a solid outing, tying for third on the team with his nine stops. He now has 14 tackles on the year and has recorded at least one in each of Bucknell's four contests.
One of just two Bison freshmen to earn starts this season (RB Tyler Smith is the other), Francis ranks eighth on the team, and first among rookies, in tackles this year. Francis' performance helped the Bison to a 17-16 victory over the Red Foxes, evening Bucknell's record at 2-2.
Francis is the third Bucknell player to be honored by the Patriot League this season, following seniors Greg Jones and A.J. Kizekai, who were recognized as the Defensive Player of the Week and Special Teams Player of the Week, respectively, following a home win against Robert Morris. Francis is the first Bison to earn Rookie of the Week since current sophomore C.J. Hopson last November.
Francis and the Bison will be at home for a second consecutive week this Saturday when they host Georgetown in their Patriot League opener. It will be Community Day at Christy Mathewson-Memorial Stadium, meaning free admission for fans.
