Q&A with new South Broward football coach

South Broward made a splash last week, hiring former McArthur and Dillard coach Keith Franklin.

Franklin coached the Mustangs from 1998-2003 and the Panthers in 2004, 2007 and 2008, tallying six playoff appearances over the nine seasons.

He returns to the school that gave him his coaching start – as defensive backs coach in 1991. Franklin was also a consultant last season under former Bulldogs coach DeVon Georgia, who stepped down Feb. 7 and is now assistant head coach and wide receivers coach at McArthur. Franklin also runs quarterback camps and rising junior South Broward quarterback T.J. Smith has worked under Franklin since he was in seventh grade.

The Sun Sentinel caught up with Franklin for a quick Q&A.

Q: What was your first impression after meeting with the team?

KF: Last year I was a consultant, so I already had a good view of the team. The first impression – coach Georgia did a great job of getting that winning attitude around the school. The kids received me very well, were familiar with me. I’m just going to build off of what coach Georgia has started.

Q: How much does your coaching experience help with this go-around?

KF: On top of that, I have previous stints at South Broward, so I know the community, I know the area. Some of the kids that are on the team, I’ve actually coached a family member, a relative or a father. … I also love the administration here at South Broward. They’re very supportive of the program.

Q: South Broward is coming off a 6-3 season but missed the playoffs due to district losses to McArthur and Cooper City. What do the Bulldogs need to do to take the next step?

KF: We’ve got to learn how to just finish games, put a team away (the Bulldogs led late in both of those losses). We’ve got a team down, and we’ve got to just finish them off. Need ball control and to play good, sound, solid defense and special teams.

Q: Who are the players you see emerging as leaders on the team?

KF: Terrance [T.J.] Smith, Jeremiah Coleman, Allen Crawford and Davon Strickland. Allen was our leading rusher as a freshman two years ago, last year it was Jeremiah Coleman. T.J. threw for over 1,800 yards as a sophomore last year. Davon Strickland was a two-way player for us last year; he played a little offensive guard for us and defensive tackle/defensive end. He’s a 4.1 [grade point average] student, so I’m looking for him to be a great vocal leader.