Florida Atlantic appears to have added another big-name transfer: quarterback-turned-receiver John Franklin III.
Franklin, a graduate transfer from Auburn, announced on his Instagram account that he would be joining FAU and coach Lane Kiffin for the 2017 season.
"This wasn't an easy decision by any means, but its what's best for me and my family and right now I'm doing what I need to do for the betterment of myself as a player, and a man," Franklin wrote. "Once again thank you for everything. I'm coming home and looking forward to playing my last collegiate season at FAU under Coach Lane Kiffin and excited to see what God has in store for me on this journey."
Franklin rose to fame on the Netflix series "Last Chance U" that chronicled East Mississippi Community College. Franklin originally signed with Florida State as a quarterback out of high school, transferred to EMCC, then to Auburn.
He was a backup quarterback at Auburn last season, completing 14 of his 26 passes for 204 yards. Franklin added 430 rushing yards, but began to take reps at receiver during Auburn's spring practice. FAU would be his fourth college in five years.
"John Franklin came to me expressing his desire for the chance to play more and get closer to home," Auburn coach Gus Malzahn said in a 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 graduated from South Plantation High School in 2013 and was ranked as the No. 30 dual-threat quarterback nationally.
He would be the third player to transfer from EMCC to FAU. Quarterback De'Andre Johnson and defensive end Tim Bonner each played for the Lions last season and have joined the Owls this year. FAU also hired tight ends coach Clint Trickett and defensive graduate assistant CJ Johnson from EMCC.
Franklin would add immediate depth to FAU's receiving corps (should the Owls choose to keep him there) that figures to be led by former Texas receiver DeAndre McNeal.
Last week, the Owls welcomed defensive end Kaib Daub (former Florida State Seminole) and defensive tackle Jeremiah Taleni (Pittsburgh graduate transfer) to their roster.
