A couple of weeks before his big announcement, Florida Gators quarterback Feleipe Franks saw something on Twitter he liked. It was a post from current Oakland Raiders safety Johnathan Abram and the young signal caller decided to retweet it.
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"The greatest gift I ever received was being rejected by the ones I would've gave it all up for..." The post read.
Perhaps it had something to do with what was coming. Maybe it had nothing to do with anything at all. However, the writing seemed to be on the wall, and now Franks is on his way out of Gainesville.
In a touching Instagram letter, Franks, who has been sidelined since a season-ending ankle injury against Kentucky, announced he is leaving head coach Dan Mullen's program and will either enter the NFL Draft or find a new school to play at next season.
Feleipe Franks' Letter
https://www.instagram.com/p/B5i1jVzA_JW/
With current starting quarterback Kyle Trask announcing he will return for the 2020 NCAA college football season, and talented redshirt freshman Emory Jones still on the roster, it would have been a battle for the redshirt junior to get his starting job back in The Swamp.
It's understandable, certainly, but it's always tough to see it happen. Franks is now gone from the SEC program after the regular season and before UF's upcoming bowl game.
Watching the Gators defeat the Florida State Seminoles was the last memory before he went on social media Sunday.
"Gator Nation,
"It has been my dream to play at the University of Florida. To play for a top program and contribute to winning games. I have been so fortunate to meet as many amazing people as I have while being here. Coaches, players, and fans as well. My heart will always be part of the Gator family.
"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 Stricklin] as well, as everybody inside the football facility has always had my back no matter what.
"My heart is heavy... there will be a lot that is missed. I plan on exploring my options of entering the NFL Draft or playing my final year elsewhere. Thank you everybody for believing in me, especially alll my teammates I've with here.
"Once a Gator, Always a Gator"
— Florida Quarterback Feleipe Franks
A Crawfordville, Florida native, Franks finishes his Gators career with 4,593 passing yards, 38 touchdowns and 17 interceptions. He also added 438 yards and eight more scores on the ground.
There were several highlight moments in his career, including a Peach Bowl victory over Michigan last year, but the decision is final. The new year will bring a new change of scenery for QB Feleipe Franks. Maybe playing professional baseball is in the cards, too.
