Jeremy Franklin, JCSU all-time leading receiver in receiving yardage and catches
In the JCSU Golden Bulls' 45-21 football victory over West Virginia Tech on Saturday, September 11th, senior wide receiver
Jeremy Franklin caught five passes for 110 yards and two touchdowns. It was a solid individual performance and his first 100-yard this season in receiving, but more significantly it solidified Franklin as the all-time leading receiver in receiving yards at Johnson C. Smith.
After the first two games against Elizabeth City State and N.C. Central, Franklin was 101 yards of eclipsing the previous record holder Marquis Belton. Belton played at J.C. Smith from 2003–2006 and set the all-time mark for most catches (160) and most receiving yardage (2,592) with 14 TDs. Franklin set the all-time catch mark with his four catches versus N.C. Central, giving him 163 for his career.
“I didn't ever know about the record, because I'm so focused on trying to help the team win,” said Franklin. “It's a honor to break the record and one day I'm sure I'll be able to look back and really cherish it, but right now the numbers most important are the ones in the win column.”
For those unfamiliar with the receiver, Franklin is a 6-foot-3, 210-pound senior from Casselberry, Florida finishing his degree in Business Management. Last season he led the CIAA in all-purpose yards last season (153.6 per game). Franklin had his worst statistical season, catching just 48 passes for 610 yards and five touchdowns. Franklin was also utilized more on special teams, returning six punts for a 23.8-yard average, including a 76-yarder for a touchdown. He also brought back 25 kickoffs, averaging 25.1 yards, including a 64-yarder.
“He's a playmaker, so it's to our benefit to find ways to get the ball in his hands,” said JCSU head football coach
Steven Aycock. “I witnessed a lot of growth from Jeremy last season, not only as a player, but as a person. Jeremy made a tremendous leap as a leader and has shown much better character as a student-athlete.”
Franklin came to JCSU from Lyman High School in 2007 and caught 39 passes for 737 yards and six touchdowns, earning All-CIAA honors. He followed up his freshman season with a 64-catch, 984 receiving yards, and nine touchdowns sophomore campaign, earning all-conference again.
In his junior season, not only did the coaching staff change, but quarterback Carlton Richardson graduated. Richardson is currently sixth all-time in CIAA history in total offense and ninth all-time in passing. Richardson is also JCSU's all-time leader in passing and total offense.
Despite the transition, Franklin adjusted and with his return duties, he's on the field for most of the game.
"He wouldn't have it any other way," said new Golden Bulls offensive coordinator
Maurice Flowers. Flowers, who played quarterback at J.C. Smith and produced big numbers, posed a challenge to Franklin. "I told him that although he led the CIAA in all-purpose yards last year, he also needs to lead the league in receiving yards. He's not backing down from that."
The addition of Flowers to the coaching staff, as well as the maturation of quarterback
Ryan Carter, gives the Golden Bulls a more stable offense. Apparently, these factors along with Franklin and Carter spending much of the summer working out to develop better timing are paying off.
Carter leads the CIAA in passing yards (777) and the number one target has been the record-breaking Franklin with 17 catches and 270 yards thus far.
“I believe I have the ability to play at the next level (NFL), but my plan is to remain humble, keep faith in God, and do what my coaches ask to help us win…everything else will take care of its self.”
Ladies and gentlemen, Mr.
Jeremy Franklin.
