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Quarterback-turned-receiver? John Franklin III seeing reps at WR for Auburn
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Auburn QB John Franklin III was supposed to be the next star quarterback within Gus Malzahn’s offense. Possessing a rocket arm and world-class speed, the former Florida State signal-caller has all of the tools to succeed at the highest level.
With that said, his first season on The Plains didn’t exactly go to plan. Sean White beat out Franklin III for the starting gig. In a reserve role, Franklin III accrued 204 passing yards and one touchdown, and also rushed for 436 yards and two scores.
His 9.3 yards-per-carry numbers were terrific, but the opposition knew Franklin III would be running the ball the vast majority of the time when inserted into the game.
With Jarrett Stidham joining the team, the prospects of Franklin III starting appear to be slim. As such, the Tigers are tinkering a bit with Franklin III’s position versatility.
According to AU Now, Franklin III has been learning the wide receiver position during spring practice. While Malzahn plans to include the Florida native in the quarterback competition, it appears as if Franklin III may be destined for a new spot:
“He worked with the quarterbacks. He also got some reps at some receiver, too. He’s got a skill set. Obviously everybody knows he’s a great athlete, but it’s kind of really hard to tell. He hasn’t got much but we’ll give him an opportunity, and his attitude is great. He’s wanting to help the team any way he can.”
