ORLANDO, Fla. — Jordan Franks had a breakout game last Saturday vs Tulane. The sophomore receiver caught seven catches for 93 yards and one touchdown; all career-highs.
Franks, who was a 3-star rated wide-receiver by ESPN coming out of high school had transitioned from linebacker to safety before finding himself back at receiver.
“Every position I play, I go all out,” said Franks. “I give the team what I have, I try make plays and whatever turns out, turns out.”
UCF fans have to appreciate Franks’ toughness; he played against Furman out of necessity with a cast on his left hand and recorded two receptions for 23 yards.
It has been an revolving door at wide-receiver for the Knights this season – three true-freshman receivers has seen game action this season, a phenomenon brought about by a lack of depth and serious injury problems at the position.
As a result UCF has lost two potential red shirt players in De’erren Wilson and Cam Stewart. Wilson notched eight catches for 118 yards and whopping three touchdowns against Tulane; one score shy of a UCF single game record for a freshman.
Cam Stewart, a 4-star recruit rated by ESPN, caught three passes for 16 yards in action against Tulane.
“We’re just run down to people right now, that we have to put in, that you would’ve liked to have sat this year,” said O’Leary. “The two freshman receivers I thought have great speed and I think they’re only going to get better as they play more often.”
It seems as though the Knights have more competition for playing time at the wide-receiver position.
“Once those freshman play beyond this third game, you gotta use them. So they’ll be out there, cause their red-shirt year is gone,” O’Leary said.
Jordan Franks said his starting position is up for grabs, just like any other position on the Knights roster.
“I have go out and earn it every week,” said Franks. “That’s how we work here, that’s how we get better.”
Franks says he likes both defense and offense; he does not have a preference.
“Defense you can be physical, receiver you get known for making plays,” said Franks. “Both have their highlights and wherever I need to go, I’ll go.”
Franks sounds like the perfect George O’Leary player, he is open to playing any position to help the team win. O’Leary is known for changing players’ positions and they have went on to have success at UCF and in the pros.
Whether Franks is playing receiver or safety; he is bound to be an impact player in George O’Leary’s system.
Photo Credit: Aileen Perilla
