Devy Spotlight: Troy Franklin

Oregon Ducks wide receiver Troy Franklin takes center stage in this edition of Devy Spotlight.

One of the biggest issues with always looking for the next big thing is, you can tend to overlook what’s right in front of you. That might just be the case when it comes to Oregon Ducks wide receiver Troy Franklin.

As a Recruit

Franklin came to Eugene as a blue chip prospect, after a stand out career for Menlo-Atherton High in California. A borderline 5⭐️ recruit, Franklin was the third overall wide receiver in the class of 2021. He was also a top 50 overall player in the class, according to the 24/7 composite.

Franklin was selected to play in the 2021 All-American Bowl, and was named as an ambassador for the 2021 Polynesian Bowl.

As a Prospect

At 6’3″ 187lbs, Franklin has adequate size to play outside receiver at the NFL level. That’s something he’s excelled at during his time at Oregon.

Troy Franklin: Career 2.2+ YPRR and 0.46+ 1st down/target with >75% snaps from the outside.

Power five WRs who’ve done the same since 2019 (min 120 tgts):

– Ja’Marr Chase
– Chris Olave
– Jameson Williams
– Dyami Brown
– George Pickens
– Marvin Harrison Jr

A terrific blend of size, speed and athleticism, Franklin has already shown tremendous growth in his two years on campus.

He has all the tools to become an instant contributor at the next level.

I was too critical on Troy Franklin following his freshman szn

Took a big step forward last year and is an excellent athlete:

▫️2021: 0% contested catch rate, 1 MTF, 1.35 YPRR, 18% drop rate

▫️2022: 63% ctc rate, 13 MTF, 2.48 YPRR, 3% drop rate

After posting moderate numbers as a Freshman, Franklin broke out as a Sophomore, to the tune of 61 receptions for 891 yards and 9 touchdowns over 13 games. That performance resulted in him receiving 2nd Team All-Conference honors from the Associated Press, as well as the PAC-12 coaches.

Despite being rarely mentioned in the same breath as the top rated receivers in the NFL draft class of 2024, Franklin matches up very well in some key metrics.

Outlook

After a 10-3 season that saw Oregon finish No. 15 in the AP Poll, the Ducks return a large amount of their core, That includes Troy Franklin and Heisman Trophy candidate, quarterback Bo Nix.

Nix and Franklin showed tremendous chemistry last season in their first season together and will look to build on that relationship. Off to a quick start in 2023, Nix and Franklin connected for 7 receptions, 106 yards, and 2 touchdowns in their week 1 victory.

Franklin is far and away the most reliable receiver on the roster and once again looks to be an integral part of this high flying offense.

“Troy Franklin is better than he was going into last season. He’s turned himself into a day-one or early day-two pick.”

A quote on the Cover 3 Oregon summer school episode.

(I think he’s going to be a first-rounder, folks)

Troy Franklin continues to show us he is exactly who we’ve always thought he’d be. A projected top 50 pick in next April’s NFL Draft, he has a real opportunity to push for 1st round draft capital.