Franks faces 1st road start
GAINESVILLE UF quarterback Feleipe Franks arrived to American History class a conquering hero.
On his way, some students congratulated the low-key redshirt freshman. As Franks reached his seat, a few awkward stares followed.
But once class began Monday, Franks was in for a surprise.
Professor Steve Noll was as giddy as everyone else over Franks’ game-winning 63-yard touchdown pass to beat Tennessee on the final play Saturday in the Swamp.
“We have this trophy in class. If you ask like a good question or something of that sort or have a good answer, then you get the trophy,” Franks said Monday. “He just gave me the trophy out of nowhere today to start the class and told me good throw.”
Overall, Franks turned in an average performance against the Vols, but his final pass to sophomore Tyrie Cleveland was an A+.
Franks also earned extra credit for maintaining his confidence after throwing an interception on the previous series to set up Tennessee’s tying field goal.
Bigger tests now lie ahead for Franks, beginning Saturday night at Kentucky.
Wildcats coach Mark Stoops, a longtime defensive assistant, and defensive coordinator Matt House will do their best to confuse Franks, who will be making his first start on the road.
“They do an outstanding job of disguising on defense … based on what they have shown against rookie quarterbacks over their time,” McElwain said.
Against Tennessee, McElwain said, Franks too often locked onto the primary receiver, rather than reading the defense and surveying his options.
In the end, everything turned out OK because of Franks’ ability to throw a football 65-70 yards. But McElwain is confident his quarterback will continue to learn the nuances of the position.
“Guys get it at different times,” McElwain said. “The good thing is he studies it. He sees it. He verbalizes it, which is really good. Some guys hide a little bit sometimes, like they’re afraid to say they messed it up.
“In his case, he owns up to it, and that’s the first step in anything you do.”
Franks already come a long way.
Reserved and even a bit shy when he arrived in January of 2016, Franks has blossomed into a vocal leader.
“Now fun, has he’s talking, having goofing around,” Cleveland said. “I feel like his confidence is very high right now. Being more mature as a football player and a person.”
But Franks’ future success will hinge on the development of those around him. Everyone on the Gators’ offense continues to learn from their mistakes, too.
The Gators settled for a field goal on their first drive after back-to-back penalties from the Tennessee 15-yard line, including a false start on guard Fred Johnson. Tailbacks Malik Davis and Lamical Perine each fumbled at the end of long runs. Tight end C’yontai Lewis tipped a pass from Franks that led to an interception.
Through all the including his Franks kept his cool.
The 19-year-old’s poise has been one of his key selling points as he emerged from a three-quarterback race with veterans Luke Del Rio and Malik Zaire.
“No. 1, he’s got confidence,” McElwain said of Franks. “He’s got confidence in himself, he’s got confidence in the guys around him . ... ” mistakes, own,