VYPE Fort Bend ISD August 2022

’ , C A P TA I N !

A U S T I N Q B F R A N K L I N R E A D Y T O L E A D

\\ By De n n i s S i l v a I I

VYPE: What has it been like to play at Austin? What ’s been the most enjoyable par t of your high school career so far? FRANKLIN: It ’s been great playing at Austin. I’ve learned a lot and grew off my mistakes. The most enjoyable part of playing here is going through every season and seeing how you used to look up to the older players, but now you’re becoming one of them. It ’s just amazing. VYPE: You recently committed to Texas A&M-Commerce. At what point did you realize you had what it took to play at the next level? FRANKLIN: Playing against George Ranch last season (96 rushing yards, TD; 153 receiving yards, TD). It was a battle between us, and football was going to be my future when I heard everyone telling me that I’m going to be the next big thing. At first , I didn’ t really believe it until it became true. Everything was just unfolding in front of me. VYPE: What would make this a successful senior season? FRANKLIN: To have a totally different record than what we had last year (0-10). We are coming back better than ever. We are ready to change people’s perspective of the Austin High School football program. I would like to accomplish being district champs and possibly going further than that . everyone kept fighting, including myself. I knew

an example with his play on the field. In eight games last season, he completed 3 of 6 passes for 26 yards, ran 34 times for 117 yards and a touchdown and caught 30 passes for 333 yards and two touchdowns. The 6-foot-1, 160-pounder also had 10 total tackles playing cornerback. This season will be Franklin’s first as the full-time quarterback. “I’ve been working on making sure my body and mind are ready for the season, as well as practicing on passes, seeing that this is my first year at quarterback on the high school varsity level ,” Franklin said. “I also want to see improvement on my run game. As we all know, I can move; I just need to get more aware of what ’s around me and get to the end zone when that time comes.” Franklin started playing football at eight years old. “I fell in love with the game because it ’s more than just a sport to me,” he said. “It helps you with a lot of things and teaches you lessons that you’ll use later on in life.” Franklin talked more with VYPE. VYPE: What is your motivation and drive when you’re on the field? FRANKLIN: My teammates. As a player, you have to work together so everything can be successful. My teammates are my family. I wouldn’ t want to let my real family down, so why would I do it to them?

have to have other people around you that you have to bring along as well. I just have to be locked in 24/7 and keep pushing play by play, leading everyone around me.” Franklin, who runs a 4.39 40-yard dash, certainly sets

JAMAL FRANKLIN DOES NOT TAKE THE TITLE OF TEAM CAPTAIN LIGHTLY. “It ’s an honor to be named captain of a team,” Franklin said. “It comes with more responsibilities, and you can’ t just worry about yourself. You

f o r t b e n d i s d . c om / / A U G 2022 / / F O RT B E N D I S D / / 25