Feleipe Franks explains his continued support for Florida, decision to travel to Orange Bowl: ‘I’m always a Gator at the end of the day’
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Feleipe Franks’ time at Florida may be nearing an end but that doesn’t mean he won’t continue to support his teammates and the program that gave him so much since arriving in Gainesville.
If you missed it, Franks announced following the end of the regular season that he will not return for his senior season to Florida, as he will explore his NFL Draft potential or leave the school as a graduate transfer to finish out his college career elsewhere.
Following Florida’s 36-28 win over Virginia in the Orange Bowl, Franks was interviewed down on the field and asked about his continued support of the Gator program and everything his teammates mean to him.
“I mean, it’s crazy. We see these guys work so hard all offseason coming up and just to see them celebrate like this and win this season is something special, it’s something that all of these guys deserve,” Franks said. “They work so hard for it. And you know you’re seeing it pay off, and that’s really what it boils down to.”
The quarterback was then asked what emotions he feels after watching his teammates win the Orange Bowl.
“I’m always a Gator at the end of the day, and you know I’ve been for four years, and I’ve built so many relationships football-wise, academically, people around the community that go a lifetime,” he continued. “I feel like I will always have a place in Gainesville, and like I said it’s a bittersweet moment. But, you know, I’m just proud of these guys.”
No matter where Franks ends up playing next season, while it won’t be with the Gators, his support for the Florida program and his former teammates will never waiver.
Caught up with Feleipe Franks last night after the #Gators won the #OrangeBowl. Franks was injured vs. Kentucky early in the year, stuck around and was with this team the whole way.
He'll finish his college career somewhere else next year but he will always be a Gator. pic.twitter.com/EOy5EUJIjc
— Daren Stoltzfus WESH (@DarenStoltzfus) December 31, 2019
A graduate of the University of Tennessee, Michael Wayne Bratton oversees the news coverage for Saturday Down South. Michael previously worked for FOX Sports and NFL.com
