Feleipe Franks has played his last snap as a Florida Gator.
Sunday Franks announced on his Instagram that he will explore the NFL Draft or transfer and finish out his college eligibility elsewhere.
“I plan on exploring my options of entering the NFL draft or playing my final year elsewhere,” he wrote. “Thank you, everybody, for believing in me, especially all of my teammates I’ve played with here.”
The news came as a surprise just one day after the Gators’ 40-17 win over Florida State to finish the season 10-2. Franks entered the year the unquestioned starter but his season was ended just 11 quarters into the year due to injury. Franks went 242-for-393 passing (61.5%) for 3,155 yards with 29 touchdowns and nine interceptions, along with 131 carries for 428 yards and eight touchdowns on the ground.
Mullen had conversations with all of the draft-eligible players during Florida’s bye week. When Kyle Trask was asked about those conversations the quarterback was taken aback and stated his intentions to remain at Florida for another season.
Trask has been fantastic this season filling in for Franks. The redshirt junior has completed 67.6% of his pass attempts (213-of-31) for 2,636 yards and 24 touchdowns with six interceptions.
Due to his ankle injury, it was unlikely that Franks would have been able to participate during spring practice.
“My heart will always be part a part of the Gator Family,” Franks wrote. “Coach Mullen and Coach Johnson have meant so much to me and I want to thank both of them for putting their trust in me. I also want to thank Mr. Jeremy Foley and Mr. Scott Strickland as well.”
Franks’ departure leaves the Gators with Trask, Emory Jones and incoming freshman Anthony Richardson in the quarterback room.
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Big thank you to Feleipe Franks. A maximal effort guy who gave it all every play. Gator Nation appreciates you!