Like so many of the other stars in Virginia's 2002 recruiting class, Tony Franklin watched last season from the bench. In Franklin's case, no special circumstances keep him off the field. No academic troubles. No back problems. Nothing but a logjam at running back, the position where Franklin starred at St. Peter Chanel High School in Cleveland.
Franklin committed to Virginia in June 2001 but soon suffered a personal setback, losing his father unexpectedly during the state playoffs his senior year. For a while, it was unknown whether he would fulfill his commitment to Virginia.
"Initially, some people in the program had that thought," Virginia coach Al Groh said."But coming to Virginia was something that his dad felt strongly was in his interest."
Franklin never wavered, but his commitment was overshadowed by five-star tailback Michael Johnson and four-star athlete Wali Lundy. The two quickly found prominent roles in the Cavalier offense while Franklin took a redshirt, a tough position for any player.
"In the long run some of the guys who don't play early go on to have better careers," Groh said. "It's tough for them to understand that."
With Marquis Weeks and Alvin Pearman rounding out a deep Cavalier backfield for 2003, Franklin switched to corner during the off-season in hopes of getting on the field. So far, the change has worked out well for everyone.
Franklin has only racked up four tackles in seven games as a corner, but his contributions have come in a number of different ways, most notably as a kick returner.
He returned two kicks past the 50-yard line during Virginia's loss to Clemson, and had two more long returns against Florida State. Franklin's second return against the Tigers put Virginia in a position to tie the game late in the fourth quarter.
Groh sees kick returns as a good way to get Franklin on the field.
"That's how we've tried to bring young players along," Groh said. "We let them do what they're accustomed to doing."
As a return man, Franklin has employed many of the same skills he used as a running back in high school.
"He's got a good sense of pace and a good eye for the opening," Groh said.
Eventually, the Cavaliers plan to feature Franklin as one of their top corners. He currently stands fourth on the depth chart, entering games as the team's dime back, but he is slated as a possible starter next season after the graduation of seniors Almondo Curry and Jamaine Winborne.
By then, his transition from offense to defense will be complete.
"He's improving a lot," Curry said. "The transition has been a big part of him, just to let the running back position go. But he loves football and he worked hard to make the transition."
According to Curry, the transition to cornerback can be difficult for even the best of athletes.
"It's tough because you're back-pedaling," Curry said. "It's hard to back-pedal against someone that's running full speed."
The transition might not have been that tough for Franklin considering his family history.
"I think by the time he's finished here, there's a real good chance that it will turn out how his dad envisioned it," Groh said.
With Franklin thriving in his new roles, his father's wishes look to be coming to fruition.
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