Riders Bring Back Special Teams Demon Francis After Two Years Away

The Saskatchewan Roughriders are bringing Kevin Francis back into their fold.

Originally obtained through the 2016 C-F-L Supplemental Draft by the Green and White, Francis played three seasons with the Riders before heading off to Ottawa in 2019. The Toronto was signed to play for B-C in 2020, only to have the season cancelled by the COVID-19 pandemic. The 6’5″, 220-pound linebacker has played in 52 C-F-L games…45 of them with Saskatchewan…and has 37 special teams tackles and two forced fumbles to his credit. Following is the news release from the Roughriders…

DATE: February 12, 2021

RELEASE TIME: IMMEDIATELY

RELEASE: SR21-031

LINEBACKER KEVIN FRANCIS RETURNS TO THE RIDERS

The Saskatchewan Roughriders have signed National linebacker Kevin Francis for the 2021 season.

Francis (6’5-220 lbs) returns to the Green and White after a two-year hiatus, having signed with the Lions for the 2020 season and played the 2019 season with the Ottawa REDBLACKS. The 27-year-old entered the CFL with the Riders after he was selected in the 2016 Supplemental Draft. A gifted special teamer, Francis has played 52 career CFL games making 15 defensive tackles, 37 special teams tackles and two forced fumbles.

Francis was also noted for his special teams play in college, where he played 34 games, starting in 10, as a tight end at North Carolina A&T. The Toronto born, New York raised Francis collected 17 receptions for 163 yards in his time as an Aggie and made eight special teams tackles.