Feleipe Franks, Dan Mullen speak out about the Florida QB shushing home crowd
Feleipe Franks’ recent struggles have drawn plenty of criticism from Florida fans, which the redshirt sophomore quarterback clearly didn’t appreciate.
Franks could be seen shushing Gators fans throughout the team’s game against South Carolina, most emphatically following his second-quarter rushing touchdown that tied the game at 14-all. After enduring some early boos to lead Florida to a comeback win, Franks expressed a bit of remorse about his actions toward the crowd.
Franks says maybe he shouldn't have shushed the crowd but he's an emotional guy and a competitive guy.
"I do apoligize for that."
— Nick de la Torre (@NickdelaTorreGC) November 10, 2018
He came under intense scrutiny for his performance against Missouri last weekend, when he was heavily booed and benched for Kyle Trask. Some fans even called for true freshman Emory Jones to usurp Franks as the starting quarterback.
Given all the negativity thrown at Franks in recent weeks, Gators coach Dan Mullen appeared mostly understanding about why his quarterback shushed the crowd.
“He’s an emotional kid. I told him he was going to get booed. I’ve been here before.’’ — Mullen on emotions of Feleipe Franks … “Emory’s the most popular guy in town now."
— Scott Carter (@GatorsScott) November 10, 2018
Mullen says it did bother him that Franks shushed the crowd, but… "What is he, 19 years old? 20? What bothers me a lot more – stay the hell off social media." #Gators
— Matt Baker (@MBakerTBTimes) November 10, 2018
Franks finished the day 15 for 21 with 161 yards and a touchdown while rushing for 36 yards and two more scores. He helped No. 15 Florida erase a 17-point deficit in the second half and win 35-31.