Last August, when Florida head coach Dan Mullen named Feleipe Franks the Gators’ starting quarterback ahead of the opener, he first mentioned Franks’ athleticism and ability to extend plays as clinching qualities.



Franks’ arm strength influenced the decision, too, but that’s not what Mullen cited with detail on Aug. 27. Experience didn’t factor much into the calculus, either, if you took Mullen at his word. No, Mullen picked Franks mostly because of an ability to scramble effectively and run physically without fear of contact.



Despite the drab appearance of his official numbers, Franks succeeded in becoming the runner Mullen thought he could be, according to a deep examination of Franks’ rushing statistics from last season.



It just took a while for things to click.



Franks started all 13 games last season and officially finished with 110 carries for 350 yards (3.18 yards per carry) and seven touchdowns. In...