John Franklin III to Transfer from Program
John Franklin III during a spring scrimmage on Saturday, March 25 (Photo: Auburn Athletics/Wade Rackley)
The quarterback-turned-wide receiver John Franklin III will be leaving the football program, according to a statement released from Head Coach Gus Malzahn on Tuesday.
In the statement, Malzahn said that Franklin was hoping to return to a school closer to his hometown of Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
“John Franklin came to me expressing his desire for the chance to play more and get closer to home, Malzahn said in the statement. "He has made the decision to play elsewhere this season as a graduate transfer. John has been an outstanding young man during his time here and leaves Auburn with a degree. We wish John nothing but the best and thank him for his time at Auburn.”
Franklin was moved to Wide Receiver in the spring after enrolling at Auburn as a quarterback. In 13 games, Franklin passed for 204 yards and a touchdown, while also rushing 46 times for 430 yards and two scores.
Franklin took to instagram to announce that he is heading to Florida Atlantic to play for Coach Lane Kiffin. Franklin, who attended East Mississippi Community College prior to Auburn, will play alongside other former Lions such as quarterback Deandre Johnson, defensive end Tim Bonner, and former quarterback coach Clint Trickett, who now serves as tight ends coach at FAU.
