Razorback quarterback Feleipe Franks came to Fayetteville this offseason from Florida looking to make his mark on the program for one season. The highly sought-after graduate transfer is expected to start for the Hogs next season, but why else did he choose Arkansas?

In January, Franks made an official visit to The Hill and announced his decision to commit to the Razorbacks one day later. The Crawfordsville (Fla.) native chose the Hogs over other potential transfer destinations Kansas and UCF. In addition to building a strong relationship with offensive coordinator Kendal Briles and head coach Sam Pittman, he was also looking for a challenge.

"My whole mindset going into where I wanted to pick a school. You know, it would be easy for me to just go to a top program and somewhere where it’s already good, but who am I really helping there? So, I decided to come to Arkansas," Franks said Friday. "When I was at Florida, we went 4-7 and then go out and win 10 games and play in a New Year’s Six Bowl. It’s all about, and I’ve seen it firsthand, it’s the motivation. We have it on this team. It just takes that one spark, that one turnaround.

"Maybe it’s a different coaching staff, a change. I love being the underdog. I think that’s what makes me go harder each and every day to just prove more people wrong. I think that’s a good mentality for this team to have, as well. Just keep proving people wrong. All it takes is a flip of the switch and it will turn around quick."

Franks' best season as a Gator came in 2018. Under new head coach Dan Mullen, he improved his numbers drastically from his redshirt-freshman season, connecting on 58.4 percent of his passes for 2,457 yards and 24 touchdowns compared to just six picks through 13 games. The 6-6, 235-pounder also added 350 yards and 7 scores with his legs that season.

Last year, Franks suffered a season-ending ankle injury early in the year but finished with a completion rate of 76.1 percent, 698 passing yards and 5 touchdowns while also throwing 3 interceptions in the Gators' 3-0 start. He also rushed for 68 yards and a touchdown.

"I'll be honest, the community the people I've met here have been nothing but awesome. I have been welcomed," Franks said. "When I was looking for a house here I guess the guy knew who I was. He was super welcoming. It has been nothing but welcoming vibes since I've been here. Just the adjustment part it has been different. I've never had to leave Florida before so it has been different, yeah.

"At the same time, I came here on one mission is for all of us to win is a common goal and then for me to get to the next level. I came here for a purpose. At the same time, the community has been awesome. I'm excited to be a part of it. Be around it when all this craziness is over. Get out and meet new people. Everybody has been awesome since I've been here."

Not only has the community accepted Franks, but his teammates are also thrilled to have him on the roster. Since his arrival, several players on the team have echoed his praise from a leadership and talent perspective.

"Since day one, he’s like a puzzle piece and has stepped in and done a great job with leading and doing his stuff," Razorback junior offensive lineman Dalton Wagner said. "He’s a big guy, too. It’s kind of cool to see him back there, because of how big he is, being able to see over everybody. Again, like I said, he’s been a leader in what we’ve been able to do. I’m excited to see what he can do come fall."

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