Auburn fans are eagerly anticipating the upcoming football season, and a key question mark hangs over the quarterback position. If JUCO transfer John Franklin III steps into the starting role for the Tigers this fall, comparisons to the successful 2013 and 2014 seasons under Nick Marshall are inevitable. During those years, Marshall’s rushing prowess was a significant component of Auburn’s offense, totaling 325 carries. This article delves into whether John Franklin III‘s physical stature raises concerns about his ability to withstand a similar workload and examines precedents from other college football programs.
Nick Marshall, when he arrived at Auburn, was listed at 6’1″ and 210 lbs. John Franklin III, while sharing the same height at 6’1″, initially weighed in at a lighter 174 lbs on Auburn’s spring roster. While offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee has indicated John Franklin III has gained approximately 10 pounds, bringing him to around 184 lbs, this still presents a significant weight difference compared to Marshall. The question arises: can John Franklin III endure the physical demands of potentially 150+ rushing attempts over a season at this size?
Ideally, the coaching staff would prefer the running backs to shoulder the primary rushing load. However, the effectiveness of Auburn’s offense, particularly if it mirrors the option-style schemes of 2013 and 2014, relies heavily on quarterback runs. Should Auburn be worried about John Franklin III‘s frame holding up? Looking at similar situations in college football history provides valuable insights.
Precedents for Dual-Threat Quarterbacks: Size vs. Carries
Many successful college football teams utilize quarterbacks who contribute significantly to the running game. Programs like Georgia Tech, with their triple-option offense, and Navy, are renowned for quarterback rushing. Even Clemson, with Deshaun Watson at the helm, incorporated a substantial number of quarterback runs. Georgia Southern, another program known for its rushing quarterbacks, further exemplifies this trend.
To contextualize John Franklin III‘s situation, let’s examine the size and rushing attempts of quarterbacks from these programs in the 2015 season:
| Name | Team | HT | WT | Carries |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Keenan Reynolds | Navy | 5’11 | 205 | 265 |
| Justin Thomas | GaTech | 5’11 | 189 | 145 |
| Deshaun Watson | Clemson | 6’2 | 210 | 207 |
| Kevin Ellison | GaSouthern | 6’0 | 190 | 114 |
| Favian Upshaw | GaSouthern | 6’1 | 170 | 80 |
Notably, Keenan Reynolds and Deshaun Watson are considerably heavier than John Franklin III, and their carry counts in 2015 were exceptionally high. Reynolds’ numbers are particularly remarkable.
Alt text: Keenan Reynolds, Navy quarterback, a smaller but highly productive rushing quarterback.
Justin Thomas of Georgia Tech offers a more direct comparison for John Franklin III. Playing in the ACC, a conference comparable in physicality to the SEC, Thomas carried the ball 145 times at a weight remarkably close to John Franklin III‘s. However, concerns arise as Thomas sustained an upper-body injury late in the 2015 season, potentially due to the physical toll of running. While he returned for the subsequent game, this incident highlights the risks associated with frequent quarterback runs, especially for quarterbacks who are not the largest in stature.
Injury Concerns and Playing Style for John Franklin III
An upper-body injury for a running quarterback often stems from taking hits while running. Nick Marshall himself experienced a similar injury in 2013, causing him to miss playing time. Kevin Ellison’s injuries at Georgia Southern in 2015 also contributed to backup quarterback Favian Upshaw’s increased carries.
The crucial factor isn’t solely size, but rather how John Franklin III handles contact. Does he initiate contact, or does he prioritize avoiding hits by sliding or running out of bounds? For a player of his build, learning to protect himself and avoid unnecessary punishment is paramount. While his track star speed, as seen in highlight reels, provides game-breaking potential, longevity and consistent performance require a strategic approach to running.
John Franklin III highlight reel
Alt text: John Franklin III showcasing his speed and agility in a highlight reel, emphasizing his potential as a dual-threat quarterback.
Ultimately, John Franklin III‘s durability will depend on his physical conditioning and his playing style. He may possess a naturally robust physique capable of withstanding hits. Ideally, the coaching staff is emphasizing the importance of smart running techniques to minimize unnecessary contact and ensure his availability throughout the season.
Preparing John Franklin III for the Physical Demands
Head coach Gus Malzahn’s philosophy of making quarterbacks live in scrimmages is a valuable approach. Allowing quarterbacks to experience live hits in practice is crucial preparation for the game’s physicality, especially for a quarterback expected to run frequently. This practice mirrors approaches taken by coaches like Paul Johnson and Jeff Monken, who kept quarterbacks live in practice at Georgia Southern. A potential issue in 2015 for Auburn’s offense might have been quarterback hesitancy to run, possibly stemming from a lack of comfort with taking hits.
Exposing quarterbacks to the reality of game-speed hits in scrimmages provides invaluable evaluation opportunities. It reveals how a quarterback reacts under pressure, both physically and mentally. Does pocket pressure lead to rushed decisions or inaccurate throws? These are crucial questions that can be better answered by simulating game conditions in practice.
The principle of “practice like you play” or “train like you fight” is particularly relevant here. While injury prevention is a valid concern, teaching quarterbacks how to anticipate and avoid hits can ultimately reduce the risk of injury in actual games.
Conclusion: John Franklin III’s Potential and Managing Expectations
Whether John Franklin III‘s size will be a significant detriment remains to be seen. Numerous factors contribute to a quarterback’s success and durability. Observing John Franklin III‘s running style and how he manages contact will be crucial in assessing his long-term viability as Auburn’s starting quarterback.
However, precedents from other quarterbacks who have thrived in run-heavy offenses despite similar or smaller builds suggest that size alone shouldn’t be a definitive cause for concern regarding John Franklin III. The key lies in preparing him for the physical demands through rigorous practice, emphasizing smart running techniques, and building an offensive strategy that maximizes his strengths while mitigating potential risks. The 2016 season promises to be an exciting chapter for Auburn football, and John Franklin III‘s performance will be central to their success.
