By RYAN ARENA

L’Observateur

BATON ROUGE — Stefoin Francois is a fighter.

One can’t argue otherwise given what Francois has already endured in his time at LSU. Before ever breaking into the lineup, the former East St. John superstar linebacker stared his athletic mortality in the face when he suffered a catastrophic knee injury in the Chick-Fil-A Bowl in 2008.

“Les Miles called me after it happened. He told me it could be career-ending,” said ESJ coach Larry Dauterive. “He said it was really as bad as anyone could imagine.”

The then-freshman’s resolve was not broken though. Francois worked to rehab his knee and make it stronger, and returned to play a reserve role for the Tigers last season.

Now, it appears Francois’ time has come.

LSU defensive coordinator John Chavis said recently that he had Francois penciled into the starting lineup at strong side linebacker, replacing departed senior Harry Coleman. Today’s clash between LSU and North Carolina would give him his first chance to try the role on for size.

At LSU’s Media Day, the 6-foot-1, 220-pound junior said he’s more than ready to show what he can do.

“Harry told me he had to patiently wait as well,” Francois said of Coleman, who he described as a friend and a mentor. “I asked him what it takes to make it. He said you play your role at first. You go out and play special teams and make an impact however you can. Now coach looks at me like a starter, and I’m ready to grab ahold of that role.”

One thing Francois shares in common with Coleman is that each arrived to LSU as safety prospects but would eventually be converted to linebacker.

His versatility gives the Tigers an advantage in theory, a physical strong side linebacker who is also adept in coverage.

Another advantage: He’s a warrior, according to his former coach. And an intelligent one at that.

“He’s a street fighter out there,” said Dauterive. “Someone who is very, very football smart. You can do anything with him. He makes plays sideline-to-sideline, as a blitzer off the edge … he did it all for us, and he helped us win plenty of games.”

Francois arrived at LSU with plenty of fanfare, ranked as the nation’s No. 5 safety recruit by Rivals.com and No. 8 by Scout.com. But many didn’t believe Francois had a future in football after he injured his knee — in a bit of sad irony, it occurred as he made a key play, recovering a loose ball for his team on an onside kick to give LSU an extra possession against Georgia Tech.

“It was really hard,” said Francois. “One of the hardest things I’ve ever had to deal with … I just worked so hard at rehabbing, every day. Now, it’s to the point where I don’t ever feel it.”

Dauterive said that Francois defied the odds as well as his doubters.

“They told him he’d never play again. He proved them all wrong,” Dauterive said. “He was determined to get back. Jack Marucci (LSU’s head trainer) told me that of all the years he’s been at LSU, this is the hardest anyone’s worked to get back.”

While the LSU offense struggled at times in 2009, its defense was the reliable rock that gave the Tigers a legitimate chance to win each week. LSU finished 11th overall in points per game allowed last season and the defense is again expected to be a formidable unit.

It’s a mix Francois said he can add to, even as he changes positions.

“I feel like I can bring some leadership and a whole lot of speed,” he said. “As far as the position change, I worked with the defensive backs and the linebackers both in high school. I’m prepared for this.”

He’s had a taste of running with the first team in practices dating back to spring. He’s opened plenty of eyes, and he hopes to see it continue today.

“When you’re with the first team, it’s like you elevate your whole game,” he said. “You think better, you feel uplifted.

“Now, I’m ready for the real thing.”

But as much as he may love a new role, one might not see the joy on his face immediately. At least, not until the final whistle has blown.

“Stefoin’s all business,” Dauterive said. “At practice, in games, he’s not wearing a smile. He’s a good citizen, and a good leader.

“But on that field, when he makes a tackle … he tries to rip your head off.”