Feleipe Franks explains the No. 1 thing he’s gained under Dan Mullen
By SDS Staff
Published:
Dan Mullen is known as a QB whisperer in college football.
Under his tutelage, former stars such as Alex Smith, Tim Tebow and Dak Prescott, among others, enjoyed rich success in college football. Mullen helped develop those signal callers, and furthermore, called plays that catered to their strengths. It was a beautiful collision that resulted in many wins and lots of points.
Florida hasn’t had a stable QB since Tim Tebow left in 2009, but Feleipe Franks has somewhat changed that perception. Franks, the tall-armed pocket passer who has a solid upside, has developed nicely under Dan Mullen. He looked lost as a freshman under Jim McElwain, but Mullen has helped instill a since of calmness and developed Franks, like many expected he would.
During Thursday’s media availability, Franks was asked what’s the biggest thing he’s gained under Mullen. His answer was quite telling.
“I would say the number one thing would be confidence,” Franks said. “Just confidence in myself, and I think that starts with the players. I mean, the players, them having trust in me, them always saying, we all got your back, just go out there and play, play free. That’s what Coach Mullen tells me as well. You’re not on a short leash. You go out and play free, play like you’re playing football in your back yard.”
Developing a QB is the No. 1 reason Florida hired Mullen, and it’s already paying off.
From four wins last year to nine wins this year, Mullen’s and his staff’s ability to develop the players is quite obvious. And things should only improve moving forward, regardless if Franks is the Gators’ QB of the future or not.
Florida faces Michigan Saturday in the Peach Bowl slated for 12:00 p.m. ET on ESPN.
Saturday Down South reports and comments on the news around the Southeastern Conference as well as larger college football topics.
