Franklin hoping road to the pros runs through FAU
BOCA RATON — Former Florida Atlantic receiver John Franklin III never expected so many twists and winding roads after high school.
He thought the path from blue-chip prospect to the NFL would be a straight line. Five years and four colleges later, Franklin’s route was like relying on GPS when there is no service.
After a few wrong turns, he is down to his last opportunity to prove to scouts he is the same player who was recruited by several major universities.
“It’s been a challenge,” Franklin said after completing Tuesday’s drills at FAU’s Pro Day. “Actually, my journey has been different than others. I feel like I had to go through that to grow as a player, to grow as a man, to become who I am today. A lot of those trials you go through, there’s always a lesson at the end. I feel like my biggest reward is now. Through my trials and through all the things I went through, it’s going to make me better in the end.”
Franklin was a three-star quarterback recruit out of South Plantation, signing with Florida State in 2013. Playing time issues led to transferring after two seasons to East Mississippi Community College, where played a role in the Netflix series “Last Chance U.” He stayed one year at his next stop, Auburn, before ending his collegiate career at FAU last season.
The road was unexpected, to say the least.
“It was a completely different,” Franklin said. “I never thought I was going to leave my first school, let alone my second or third. I’ve come to realize God got a plan and a way for everybody. Mine is just different and unique.”
Franklin caught just seven passes for 95 yards and a touchdown his lone season with the Owls. The numbers are hardly staggering, but NFL teams are basing his worth on potential.
Speed has lured most scouts. Franklin reportedly ran a 4.19 in the 40-yard dash last month at Fit Factory in Fort Lauderdale. A video was posted online by NLAE Management, which represents Franklin. His time on Tuesday has yet to be released.
Franklin has no problem using his Internet fame to increase NFL interest. He was among the most popular “Last Chance U” players, attracting nearly 67,000 Twitter followers. Despite being a backup and playing just one full season at receiver, he will spend the next month working out for various teams around the league. He is scheduled to meet with the Dolphins next week.
“The NFL is a business,” said FAU receiver DeAndre McNeal, Franklin’s former teammate. “It’s not only about football, it’s can you sell? John, with him being on ‘Last Chance U,’ that name sells for itself. Then his speed, honestly, I don’t think anybody can match his speed that’s going to the draft this year.”
Franklin participated at three different positions — receiver, quarterback and defensive back — during the Pro Day. Teams are also attracted to his versatility. He ran for 229 yards and two touchdowns last year at FAU while also serving as the backup quarterback.
“A lot of teams really don’t know exactly what position to put me at but they just know that when I get the ball in my hands, good things are going to happen,” Franklin said. “I just want to be able to show that I can do any and everything just to sell myself as an athlete.”