If JUCO transfer John Franklin Iii takes the reins as the starting quarterback for the Auburn Tigers this fall, expect the offense to echo the successful rushing attacks of 2013 and 2014 under Nick Marshall. During those seasons, Marshall racked up 325 rushing attempts, averaging a significant number of carries for a quarterback in an option-style offense.
Nick Marshall was listed at 6’1″ and 210 lbs when he joined Auburn in 2013. In contrast, John Franklin III is listed at 6’1″ but only 174 lbs on Auburn’s initial spring roster. While Rhett Lashlee recently mentioned that Franklin has gained about 10 lbs, bringing him to approximately 184 lbs, this is still considerably lighter than Marshall. The question arises: is John Franklin III’s size a concern when considering the potential for over 150 rushing attempts in a season?
Ideally, the quarterback wouldn’t need to shoulder such a heavy rushing load. While quarterback rushing yards are valuable, the preference would be for running backs to lead in carries and yards. Should Auburn fans be worried about Franklin’s ability to withstand the physical demands? Can we draw comparisons to quarterbacks in similar situations to gauge the potential impact of John Franklin III’s size?
Drawing Parallels: Quarterbacks of Similar Build and Rushing Roles
Examining other teams that heavily utilize quarterback runs can provide valuable context. Georgia Tech, with its triple-option offense, and Navy, known for its option attack, are prime examples. Clemson, with Deshaun Watson, also employed quarterback runs more frequently than one might expect. Georgia Southern, another team known for its rushing quarterbacks, further broadens the comparison pool.
Let’s analyze the 2015 season data for quarterbacks from these teams, focusing on their size and rushing attempts:
| 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 |
It’s noteworthy that Keenan Reynolds and Deshaun Watson are significantly heavier than John Franklin III, and they also accumulated a higher number of carries. Reynolds’ rushing statistics are particularly impressive. It’s unfortunate that Keenan Reynolds won’t be eligible for the College Football Hall of Fame due to a technicality, as his college career was exceptional.
Justin Thomas of Georgia Tech emerges as a compelling comparison for John Franklin III. Playing in the ACC, a conference comparable to the SEC in terms of physicality, Thomas carried the ball 145 times at a weight similar to Franklin’s. However, it’s concerning for Auburn fans that Thomas sustained an upper-body injury that knocked him out of a game near the end of the 2015 season, although he did return for the subsequent game.
Injury Risks and Playing Style for Quarterbacks
An upper-body injury for a quarterback in a rushing-heavy role often stems from taking hits while running. Nick Marshall experienced a similar injury in 2013, causing him to miss part of one game and an entire subsequent game as a precaution. Kevin Ellison’s injuries at Georgia Southern, which contributed to Favian Upshaw’s increased carries, highlight the physical toll of quarterback runs.
While Nick Marshall, at 6’1″ and 210 lbs, might have been better equipped to absorb hits, the crucial factor isn’t just size, but playing style. Does a quarterback like John Franklin III seek contact, or does he prioritize sliding, running out of bounds, and avoiding unnecessary hits? Given his frame, it’s essential for Franklin III to learn to avoid going for a home run on every play and to embrace the value of gaining yards and preserving himself for the next down.
Of course, John Franklin III’s track star speed is a significant asset. His ability to split defenses on zone-read draws and break away for long runs is a game-changing element in Auburn’s offensive arsenal.
Ultimately, Franklin III’s durability will depend on multiple factors. His body composition, despite his weight, might be exceptionally resilient. Ideally, the coaching staff will emphasize protecting himself and avoiding unnecessary contact.
Preparing Quarterbacks for the Physicality of the Run Game
Gus Malzahn’s approach of having quarterbacks participate fully in scrimmages is crucial. When quarterbacks are expected to run frequently, they must be prepared for the hits they will endure. Paul Johnson and Jeff Monken, known for their rushing offenses at Georgia Southern and Army, respectively, also employed live quarterback practices. Hesitation about taking hits can hinder a quarterback’s effectiveness in running plays, potentially explaining some of Auburn’s ground game struggles in 2015.
Whether it’s Franklin III, White, Johnson, or Tyler Queen at quarterback in 2016, they must understand the impact of taking hits. Scrimmages provide a vital environment for evaluating a quarterback’s ability to handle pressure and maintain composure under physical duress. A quarterback who hasn’t experienced live hitting in practice might struggle with pocket pressure, leading to poor decisions and throws in games.
The principle of “practice like you play” or “train like you fight,” as it’s phrased in the Army, underscores the importance of realistic preparation. While injury concerns are valid, teaching quarterbacks how to absorb or avoid hits can proactively mitigate injury risks during games.
Final Verdict: Should Auburn Worry About Franklin III’s Size?
It’s difficult to definitively say whether John Franklin III’s size will be a major impediment. Numerous variables are at play, and a conclusive assessment is premature until we observe his playing style and how he handles contact. However, precedents from quarterbacks of similar size suggest that it shouldn’t be an insurmountable concern.
The paramount takeaway is that Auburn’s 2016 quarterback must be a credible rushing threat to keep defenses honest on zone-read plays. Preparing quarterbacks for the physical aspect of running through live scrimmage drills is likely the most effective method for determining who is best equipped to handle this critical component of the offense.
