WIDE RECEIVER IS A SUCCESS ON THE FIELD.
Photos courtesy of Peachy Brass Studio
Calvin Francis began playing high school football later than most. His first game was in the 2023-2024 at Strawberry Crest, but an Achilles injury kept him out for the rest of the year. In what is, in essence, his first season of high school football, the senior wide receiver has been instrumental to the success of the 5-1 Chargers.
How tall are you?
6’1”
What do you weigh?
160
Why did you start playing football?
As a kid, I was watching football, and I always wanted to be like one of the guys on TV playing football. So, when I heard our school in Tennessee had a football team, I said I wanted to try out for the team. But I realized I wasn’t ready for football at the time.
When was that?
This was seventh grade. After my seventh grade year we took a break until I was ready to play football for real and be serious about it. That is when I came to Crest and started playing.
What do you like about playing football?
I like the excitement and the variety of the type of people I play against. I really enjoy that because it really helps me learn how to be a receiver, and how to handle corners at different levels—learn their styles so I can be successful when I play against different kinds of corners.
What has been your best game so far?
The Brandon game. It was week 3. I had 129 yards and two touchdowns. I did all that in the first quarter.
How is it working with Zy [Floyd, the quarterback]?
It’s working well. I guess there are some differences. Where I can’t perform, he can perform there to adjust to my weaknesses. And I can adjust to his weaknesses. It creates a bond, sort of — to get the job done.
What other things are you in?
I am in student government. I play a big part in spirit week, pep rallies, and homecoming. I am the vice president of our Fellowship of Christian Athletes club.
What motivates you to play football?
I find it very fun to participate in, and it keeps me active before track season.
What gives you satisfaction out of it?
Being able to celebrate with my teammates—watching them be happy, and the coaches being happy—because Strawberry Crest hasn’t always had years of being a good team. Seeing them happy makes me feel good. My victories are also their victories.
Have you played other sports?
I did track and field all throughout high school.
What did you do in track?
High jump, long jump, triple jump, 100 meter, 200 meter, 400 meter, 400 hurdles, and the 4X100 relay.
What is your high jump personal best?
6’5”
How fast do you run 100 meters?
11.09 seconds
What subjects do you like in school?
I’m good at pre-calc, but I think I like my elective, TV Production, the most. Making movies is kind of fun.
What are your plans after you graduate?
I plan on going to college, more specifically, a military academy like West Point, the Naval Academy, the Citadel, or Virginia Military Institute. I may play sports there like track or football. Then when I get out, do the military for a couple of years and take the engineering track.
Final comment:
None of this would be possible without God. He gave me the gift, I can’t take credit for it.
