John Franklin III transferring from Auburn to FAU
By Asher Fair
One day after the Auburn Tigers named Baylor Bears transfer Jarrett Stidham as their starting quarterback, former Tigers quarterback-turned-receiver John Franklin III has decided to transfer from the program.
Senior quarterback-turned-receiver John Franklin III announced that he will be transferring from the Auburn Tigers to the Florida Atlantic Owls program following the news that Baylor Bears transfer quarterback Jarrett Stidham would take over as the Tigers’ starter.
Franklin issued a statement on Instagram regarding his decision to transfer.
Franklin, who played off and on for the Tigers for just one season, made the transition from backup quarterback to wide receiver following the 2016 season, which ended in defeat for the Tigers at the hands of the Oklahoma Sooners in the Sugar Bowl. Last season, he actually totaled more rushing yards than he did passing yards, as he only attempted 26 passes.
Both Franklin’s transition to wide receiver and his transfer to FAU could play into the hands of FAU and new head coach Lane Kiffin, who last season was the offensive coordinator of the national runner-up Alabama Crimson Tide. While Franklin was not a great quarterback at Auburn, he was certainly an explosive offensive weapon, which could be just what Kiffin needs to begin his tenure at FAU.
FAU opens up the 2017 season with a home game against the Navy Midshipmen before they travel way up north for somewhat of a high-profile game against the Wisconsin Badgers, who are expected to be in the mix to get into this season’s College Football Playoff.
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Do you think John Franklin III will have success under Lane Kiffin with the Florida Atlantic Owls?