Colorado State’s defense took a major hit this week with Tywan Francis deciding to leave the team. 

The 5-foot-11, 195-pound defensive back was CSU’s starting nickel this season and had been fairly productive through the first four games of 2022. His 32 total tackles is currently the third-most on the team, trailing only Dequan Jackson (33) and Jack Howell (45). He’s second on the team with two pass breakups right now as well. 

Nevertheless, after a brutal 0-4 start, it seems the fifth-year DB from New Orleans, La. would rather finish his collegiate career elsewhere rather than participating in a rebuild under Jay Norvell. 

In addition to Francis, CSU has now lost four wide receivers this fall, as Dante Wright, Ty McCullouch, Melquan Stovall and E.J. Scott have all quit the team. Linebacker Bam Amina, tackle Ches Jackson and kicker Cayden Camper are also all gone. 

Francis finishes his CSU career with 176 total tackles (106 solo), 10 PBUs and a pair of forced fumbles. He recorded a career-high 88 tackles in 2021 and he was on pace to top that total in 2022. It will be interesting to see where he ends up in the future. 

With Francis no longer in the secondary, it should open up more opportunities for Robert Floyd at the nickel. Really though, it’s going to take a collective effort in the secondary to step up. The Rams have quite a bit of talent at the safety position with Jack Howell, Henry Blackburn, Ayden Hector and Angel King. CSU will definitely need to be able to rely on them. Maybe some of the young guys will get more time on the field as well.