SEC INSIDER

Florida QB Franks signs with Red Sox

Lindyssports.com Staff

July 13, 2019 at 6:54 pm.

Oct 6, 2018; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators quarterback Feleipe Franks (13) throws the ball against the LSU Tigers during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Photo Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Oct 6, 2018; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators quarterback Feleipe Franks (13) throws the ball against the LSU Tigers during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Photo Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Florida quarterback Feleipe Franks signed a contract with the Boston Red Sox but intends to play with the Gators in the 2019 season.

The Red Sox made Franks their pick in the 31st round of the MLB draft in June.

The 21-year-old last played baseball at Crawfordville (Fla.) High School, where he was a pitcher, third baseman and outfielder in the Class of 2016. That year, he was ranked as the nation’s No. 500 prospect by the Perfect Game scouting service.

On the day he was selected by the Red Sox, Franks had this to say:

“I’m flattered that the Red Sox picked me this afternoon,” he said. “However, I’m living out my dream being the quarterback of the Florida Gators. We’re all working extremely hard this offseason and I cannot wait to hit the field this fall.”

He signed a $40,000 deal with the Red Sox, the Boston Globe reported. Friday was the deadline for MLB clubs to sign their draft picks.

Franks told FloridaGators.com on Saturday that baseball could be a fall-back career for him.

“I haven’t played like in five years, but it was great,” Franks said. “They gave me the opportunity to play baseball for a great organization. It’s just a great opportunity I have that maybe I could lean my shoulder on one day, once football is over with. It’s something that just happened.”

Franks, a fourth-year junior, enters summer camp as the presumed starter.

He started all 13 games in the 2018 season, throwing for 2,457 yards with 24 touchdowns ant six interceptions. He added 350 rushing yards with seven touchdowns.

The Gators finished the season, the first under coach Dan Mullen, at 10-3 and defeated Michigan in the Peach Bowl. Franks was named the game’s MVP.

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