FAYETTEVILLE — Former Florida quarterback Feleipe Franks had a lot of options when it came to where he wanted to play his final year of college football.
Choosing a program that has won 4 of 24 games the last two seasons might have seemed like a strange choice to many, but first-year Arkansas coach Sam Pittman and Razorbacks offensive coordinator Kendal Briles put forth their best vision for a different future.
“That was one of the things when I came (for his official visit), I wanted to sit down because that was one of the most important things for me - what kind of offense am I going to be in,” Franks said. “I really liked Coach Briles' philosophy, Coach Pittman and everything they bring to the table.
“I do believe that we are building something special here at Arkansas. I am grateful to be a part of it. I am glad that these guys have accepted me to come in and be a part of their team and just be the best team player and help out any way I can.”
Briles is a big fan of Franks, who will battle fellow quarterbacks KJ Jefferson, Jack Lindsey, John Stephen Jones and incoming freshman Malik Hornsby for playing time.
“When you go after guys that are graduate transfers, obviously you have to have people that are going to come in and hopefully help change your program for the better,” Briles said during a teleconference last week. “Feleipe we feel like was one of those kids. He’s done it at a really high level and he’s been successful.
“Going through all our research on him, talking to different coaches and players that have known him, he’s a great kid. Great locker room guy and extremely hard worker, so he’s checked all the boxes for us, and he’s been great."
Franks is coming off a 2019 season in which he suffered a season-ending injury in Game 3 after completing 54-of-71 passes (75.2 percent) for 688 yards and 5 touchdowns.
He feels as if he fits well in Briles’ offense and believes it is the same type offense that allowed him to connect on 188-of-322 passes for 2,457 yards and 24 touchdowns with just 6 interceptions for the 2018 Gators, who finished 10-3.
“I like the freedom about it,” Franks said. “It’s kind of what I’m used to. It’s kind of like what it was at Florida. I had been in that system a little longer, but at the same time it just gives freedom to the receivers and some of the other people to do some things.
“I think it’s a really productive offense. It’s going to be really productive here. I believe in it, our players believe in it and our team believes in it. If we can go out there and execute and be successful, we can get other people to believe in it. I think that’s what I like about it most. It’s worked before. I’ve seen it work before. It’s been proven to work before, and I’m just excited to be a part of it. “
Franks, who was 25-of-27 for 270 yards and 2 touchdown against Tennessee-Martin last season, also wanted to be at a place that he was needed and could make an immediate impact.
“You know, it would be easy for me to just go to a top program and somewhere (that is) already good, but who am I really helping there?” Franks said. “So I decided to come to Arkansas. When I was at Florida, we went 4-7 and then go out and win 10 games and play in a New Year’s Six Bowl.
“It’s all about - and I’ve seen it firsthand - the motivation. We have it on this team. It just takes that one spark, that one turnaround. Maybe it’s a different coaching staff, a change. I love being the underdog. I think that’s what makes me go harder each and every day to just prove more people wrong. I think that’s a good mentality for this team to have as well. Just keep proving people wrong. All it takes is a flip of the switch and it will turn around quick.”
In his career at Florida, Franks passed for 4,593 yards with 38 touchdowns and 17 interceptions. He also rushed 189 times for 438 yards and 8 more scores.
He arrived in Fayetteville in January and has stayed during the coronavirus pandemic. He has been able to throw to some of his receivers, including Kendal Catalon, Tyson Morris and Mike Woods.
“We find a way to throw every Monday, Wednesday and Friday," he said. "I think it’s important, especially in times like this when everything is limited. It’s important to be in a routine, because it’s easy to get distracted and get out of routine.
“I think it’s very important to set a routine and follow that routine and make sure you’re going along with that. Yeah, it’s hard to get work in, but at the same time I think it’s doable if you just put the routine in."
Offensive lineman Dalton Wagner said Franks has fit in like a puzzle piece and shown solid leadership qualities since arriving on campus.
"He’s a big guy, too," Wagner added. "It’s kind of cool to see him back there because of how big he is being able to see over everybody. I’m excited to see what he can do come fall."
Franks, who will wear No. 13, also provided an update on his health. He underwent surgery last September for a dislocated ankle that contained a fracture. Franks sustained the injury in the third quarter of Florida's win at Kentucky.
“For me, to be honest, I’ve been taking it slow,” Franks said. “But at the same time, I’ve had a bunch of time to recover. (Associate Director of Sports Medicine) Dave (Polanski) and the guys here have worked extremely hard getting all of us back. Shoot, I feel really good. I feel almost at 100 percent and everything’s full speed.
"I think right now it’s just about getting back out on the field. It’s been forever.”
Moving from Florida was an obvious adjustment, but Franks says he has been welcomed to Fayetteville with open arms.
“When I was looking for a house here I guess the guy knew who I was," he added. "It has been nothing but welcoming vibes since I've been here. I came here on one mission and then for me to get to the next level. I came here for a purpose.
"At the same time, the community has been awesome. I'm excited to be a part of it, be around it when all this craziness is over and get out and meet new people.”