- Sep 8, 2014
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Feleipe Franks’ development has players confident in Florida’s offense
https://www.seccountry.com/florida/feleipe-franks-florida-gators-offense
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Feleipe Franks will be the first person tell you he needed to redshirt last season as a true freshman quarterback.
Despite his recruiting credentials — Elite 11 finalist, U.S. Army All-American, top-100 overall prospect — and arm talent, Franks needed to be developed at the position after not having a offensive coordinator, position coach or private trainer in high school.
His lack of coaching was evident in last year’s spring game, when he threw interceptions in his first four pass attempts. But after more than a year under the tutelage of Florida coach Jim McElwain and offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier, there’s a noticeable difference in Franks, according to his teammates.
“He grew,” offensive guard Fred Johnson said of Franks. “He came in last year, freshman, don’t know the playbook like that. But this year you see he really took it seriously and everything he messes up on he doesn’t try to make the same mistakes twice. You could see it really helped him out with assignments.”
Franks’ work in the film room has been just as critical as his time on the practice field. Being able to go through progressions and dissect defenses is not just a matter of knowing the playbook.
He now understands how to watch and study tape, process the information and apply those lessons to his game. Though Franks has yet to play a game, he’s doing his homework to prepare for that first test.
“I guess it starts in the meeting room,” offensive tackle Martez Ivey said of Franks. “He’s confident and I believe in him. When he’s back there and I’m on the line, I know he’s going to make his reads and make the throws.”
Franks assumed control of the starting job last month in the Orange & Blue Debut, completing 8 of 14 passes for 119 yards and a touchdown. More importantly, he didn’t throw any interceptions and showed command of the offense.
“He did awesome,” defensive back Chauncey Gardner said of Franks. “Got the right reads, got the ball to the right guys, drove the ball down, converted on third down and made sure to keep the offense moving and keep them hot. So he did pretty good to me. I didn’t see any flaws. He has improved from day 1.”
Franks separated himself from fellow redshirt freshman Kyle Trask during spring football because of his consistency and escapability, according to McElwain. Franks established himself as a leader on offense.
“His leadership style, being a young guy he’s really trying to come into that role and you can see him taking strides for it,” Johnson said. “He’s assertive in the huddle. He tells you the play, he tells you what he demands and communication. There’s nothing he can’t do really.”
With his newfound knowledge of the system and better accuracy on his throws, Franks is making progress as a passer. However, his mental toughness will be tested once the bullets start flying and plays don’t go his way.
For what it’s worth, Johnson believes Franks can handle the pressure.
“He doesn’t dwell on his mistakes,” Johnson said. “It’s the next-play mentality really and he goes from one play to the next. If he has a bad pass, if a pass gets intercepted or something like that, his mind is focusing on the next drive and the next pass. So I like that about him. I like his bounce-back ability.”
If Franks can maintain his lead in fall camp and officially be named the starter, he will make his collegiate debut on Sept. 2 when Florida opens the 2017 season against Michigan. With a year of development under his belt, Franks feels ready for the moment.
“A tremendous difference,” Franks said of his improvement. “Compared to a year ago just getting in and learning the playbook, it was hard for me. And with a year’s process of going through a season with Luke (Del Rio) and Austin (Appleby) to help me learn and Coach Nuss, it has made me a whole lot more comfortable.”
https://www.seccountry.com/florida/feleipe-franks-florida-gators-offense
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Feleipe Franks will be the first person tell you he needed to redshirt last season as a true freshman quarterback.
Despite his recruiting credentials — Elite 11 finalist, U.S. Army All-American, top-100 overall prospect — and arm talent, Franks needed to be developed at the position after not having a offensive coordinator, position coach or private trainer in high school.
His lack of coaching was evident in last year’s spring game, when he threw interceptions in his first four pass attempts. But after more than a year under the tutelage of Florida coach Jim McElwain and offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier, there’s a noticeable difference in Franks, according to his teammates.
“He grew,” offensive guard Fred Johnson said of Franks. “He came in last year, freshman, don’t know the playbook like that. But this year you see he really took it seriously and everything he messes up on he doesn’t try to make the same mistakes twice. You could see it really helped him out with assignments.”
Franks’ work in the film room has been just as critical as his time on the practice field. Being able to go through progressions and dissect defenses is not just a matter of knowing the playbook.
He now understands how to watch and study tape, process the information and apply those lessons to his game. Though Franks has yet to play a game, he’s doing his homework to prepare for that first test.
“I guess it starts in the meeting room,” offensive tackle Martez Ivey said of Franks. “He’s confident and I believe in him. When he’s back there and I’m on the line, I know he’s going to make his reads and make the throws.”
Franks assumed control of the starting job last month in the Orange & Blue Debut, completing 8 of 14 passes for 119 yards and a touchdown. More importantly, he didn’t throw any interceptions and showed command of the offense.
“He did awesome,” defensive back Chauncey Gardner said of Franks. “Got the right reads, got the ball to the right guys, drove the ball down, converted on third down and made sure to keep the offense moving and keep them hot. So he did pretty good to me. I didn’t see any flaws. He has improved from day 1.”
Franks separated himself from fellow redshirt freshman Kyle Trask during spring football because of his consistency and escapability, according to McElwain. Franks established himself as a leader on offense.
“His leadership style, being a young guy he’s really trying to come into that role and you can see him taking strides for it,” Johnson said. “He’s assertive in the huddle. He tells you the play, he tells you what he demands and communication. There’s nothing he can’t do really.”
With his newfound knowledge of the system and better accuracy on his throws, Franks is making progress as a passer. However, his mental toughness will be tested once the bullets start flying and plays don’t go his way.
For what it’s worth, Johnson believes Franks can handle the pressure.
“He doesn’t dwell on his mistakes,” Johnson said. “It’s the next-play mentality really and he goes from one play to the next. If he has a bad pass, if a pass gets intercepted or something like that, his mind is focusing on the next drive and the next pass. So I like that about him. I like his bounce-back ability.”
If Franks can maintain his lead in fall camp and officially be named the starter, he will make his collegiate debut on Sept. 2 when Florida opens the 2017 season against Michigan. With a year of development under his belt, Franks feels ready for the moment.
“A tremendous difference,” Franks said of his improvement. “Compared to a year ago just getting in and learning the playbook, it was hard for me. And with a year’s process of going through a season with Luke (Del Rio) and Austin (Appleby) to help me learn and Coach Nuss, it has made me a whole lot more comfortable.”
