FSU QB Deondre Francois to have knee surgery, done for season

— -- Florida State quarterback Deondre Francois will be out for the season after suffering a patellar tendon injury in his left knee, Francois' uncle, Pat Julmiste, told ESPN's Adam Rittenberg.

The sophomore suffered the injury in the Seminoles' 24-7 loss to Alabama on Saturday.?

Julmiste, who is very close with his nephew and is a former South Florida quarterback, said Francois is expected to have surgery on Tuesday.

Francois was more concerned about the team and how his injury will impact the rest of the season, and knows it was a "freak injury," according to Julmiste.

Late in the fourth quarter, Francois was sacked from behind by Crimson Tide safety Ronnie Harrison. Francois stayed on the turf after clutching his left knee. He was helped to his feet by trainers, but he couldn't put any weight on his leg while leaving the field.

Francois was taken to a medical tent on FSU's sideline and emerged with a heavy brace on his left leg and using a pair of crutches.

Freshman James Blackman, from Belle Glade, Florida, replaced Francois against Alabama, and he now looks to be the starter. A three-star recruit, Blackman was the lower ranked of the two quarterbacks Florida State signed in its 2017 recruiting class. Four-star Bailey Hockman was ranked No. 180 in the ESPN 300. Another backup quarterback, J.J. Cosentino, attempted nine passes last season.

Francois, a native of Orlando, Florida, had a disappointing performance against Alabama's defense, completing 19 of 33 passes for 210 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions.

He was fantastic last season, finishing with 3,350 passing yards with 20 touchdowns and seven interceptions.

The Seminoles host Louisiana-Monroe in Tallahassee, Florida, this week and No. 18 Miami the following week.

ESPN's Mark Schlabach contributed to this report.?