Original story By R.B. Fallstrom
Associated Press
Published: 28 August 2013 06:47 AM
Missouri eager to keep Franklin healthy this season
COLUMBIA, Mo. — Don’t be surprised if Missouri quarterback James Franklin seeks the path of least resistance this fall. He’s under orders.
The Tigers were 5-7 in their first season in the Southeastern Conference, their first without a bowl trip since 2004, and it didn’t help matters that Franklin missed four starts and was almost never close to 100 percent. The Lake Dallas product was still recovering from shoulder surgery when fall workouts began, and during the season was dogged by knee woes, a concussion, cracked rib, broken fingers and a few pulled muscles.
“Along those lines,” Franklin said after detailing the highlights. “But it’s over now.”
Franklin ran for 15 touchdowns his sophomore year and remains a threat. Coaches, however, would much rather see him scamper out of bounds or execute a stylish slide in a conference full of NFL-ready defensive players.
They already know he’s tough. But operating behind a line ravaged by injuries, Franklin got beat up last season as a junior.
