Despite being a rookie, Orlando Franklin started every regular season and playoff game this past season on the offensive line for the National Football League's Denver Broncos.

But, during a recent appearance in his hometown of Toronto, before an appreciative mostly teenage audience in the auditorium of St. Patrick Catholic High School in Toronto's east end, he came to talk not so much about his life in the NFL, arguably the world's most lucrative sports league, but to tell the story of how he got there.

It's a compelling story that included two stints in custody, homeless shelters, foster homes - and a mother who never gave up on him.

He arrived at St. Patrick's without any visible trappings of success, sipping a Tim Hortons coffee and with really only one giveaway that he was the morning's star guest speaker - his size.

As one female student asked during the Q and A, "how tall are you?" "Six-seven," he replied.

And another asked, "Where do you live now? Do you live in a big house?"

He patiently responded:

"My house in Denver is pretty big, I've got a five-bedroom house and then I have a condo in Miami and I'm trying to look into buying a condo down here (Toronto)," he told the cheering kids.

What he brought to the assembly was an almost disarming honesty and humility, in a voice that was soft spoken but direct, purposeful, even intense at times.

"I grew up here in Toronto, Canada. At a young age I was running with a bad crowd and I knew I was always gifted in sports, but I always chose to run with the wrong people so at the age of 12 I was arrested," he told the assembled high school students whose complete attention he easily gained and held.

"I was able to get off on the charges. I was arrested for robbery - a big mistake in my life, but I was able to overcome it and go back to school, doing the stuff that I needed to do.

"And then at the age of 14 I got arrested again. I was arrested on serious charges. I thought it was over. I didn't think I was going to be able to go to high school after that, but due to the grace of God I was able to get focused, and my mom always stuck behind me."

In the follow-up questions, he elaborated further. With his first run-in with the law, he said one of his friends "ended up robbing a kid and I was telling him not to, so this kid turns out to be in my class. I got arrested for it.

"And my mom is pretty much a no-nonsense person so when I got arrested when I was 12 years old, my mom left me there for about a week, she wouldn't come get me. Although I was able to get bail my mom wouldn't come get me."

His second run-in was during his first year of high school at the now closed Timothy Eaton Business and Technical Institute in Scarborough.

"Again I was hanging around with a couple of guys that wanted to do what they wanted to do. I was always hanging around with older kids because I've always been bigger than kids my age so although I was in the ninth grade I was hanging around with kids that were in the 11th grade, 12th grade and they got into robbing people, stealing cars and stuff, breaking into people's houses," he told the rapt audience, adding a quick aside.
"I've been there. I know what a lot of you are all going through. The peer pressure and stuff like that ..."

Needless to say, his mom was not impressed. "So that time that I got arrested my mom left me there for two and a half months, I was 14 turning 15 years old," he said as the auditorium collectively gasped.

It was also the reason why he changed schools in Scarborough. As he explained in response to another student's question on which Toronto schools he attended:

"I went to Timothy Eaton at first and then I got kicked out of the school because, like I said, I was hanging out with the wrong crowd of people and I told you guys I was in jail twice. When I got out of jail they sent me to Borden (Sir Robert L. Borden Collegiate Institute)."

So how does Franklin get from the criminal system in Toronto to the offensive line in Denver, protecting quarterback Tim Tebow, another rookie who made quite the sensation this past season?

First a quick summary of Franklin's life - in his own words:

"I was born in Jamaica. At the age of three my mom left Jamaica with me and my brother. We grew up here in Toronto, Canada," he said, in his opening remarks to St. Patrick students who had rousing cheers at the mention of both 'Jamaica' and 'Toronto'.

And then he elaborated more on his youth:

"Growing up, it's weird. I've been through it, you know. Nobody can tell me, here, that you guys can't make it because I've been through it. Me and my mom and my older brother, we were in a homeless shelter for two years. I actually was in foster care for a year and a half so you guys just got to keep pushing on."

As far as his football career, after being drafted 46th overall in the second round of the NFL draft by Denver, he started every regular season and playoff game this past season as a rookie - on the field for more than 98 per cent his team's offensive snaps.

With the University of Miami he also started every game throughout his four-year career, including his freshman year.

He started his football career in Toronto spending eight years in the Scarborough-based Toronto Thunder football organization before heading to Florida for two years of prep school - the latter decision turned out to be a key turning point in his life.

"One day my mom sits me down; she asked what do I really want to do in life. I told my mom I wanted to play football. So we sat down, she made me write this note, I'll never forget, it was like a two-page letter. She made me write it down saying that if she helped me to get to Florida to play football, that I do everything in my power to make sure that I make it to college.

"Growing up in Toronto I never imagined that I'd be able to go to college. So my mom and me we write this plan out, she ups and quits her job, she moves to Florida for me, so I get to Florida now and it's like, OK, my mom made all these sacrifices for me and I can't let her down."
But here are still challenges aplenty.

First, he missed Toronto:

"My biggest thing that I had to give up was leaving here because I missed a lot of my friends, but a lot of my friends they were really supportive of me and helped me out each and every day. Whenever I needed someone to talk to, whenever I was stressing out because of college and whatnot I was able to call back here and they were like, hey man, you're living the dream, just keep doing what you're doing."

And second, his marks were nowhere near good enough for the Florida prep school "so I wasn't eligible in my junior year. I had to go and take classes over. I was a junior (Grade 11) taking 9th grade classes over so I could become eligible so I'd be able to play football.

"At the end of the day I was able to get eligible. I finished high school with 72 division-one scholarships. I don't know if you guys know how big of a deal that is, that was a great accomplishment for me. There are 110 division-one schools in the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) and I finished with 72 of them offering me full scholarships to go to school."

He chose the University of Miami and was all set to play for them when he hit yet another bump in the road.

"I finish up high school now and I go to college. I actually take some college classes in the summer time and I'm thinking that everything's all good."
But again his not-so disciplined time in Toronto comes back to haunt him.

"They flagged one of my English classes from my ninth-grade year in Toronto, Canada. So they actually kicked me out of college. I have to sit for a year - it was probably the hardest year of my life. I had to retake classes. I had to go back to high school and I was walking around with ninth graders. I was walking around with 14 year olds, and if you guys see me I'm a pretty big guy so I'm towering over these kids."

But his point is he did it.

"Like I said, I made the sacrifices and always believing that I can and always knowing what I wanted to do in life. I got up every day I made sure that I was on time and I made sure that I did the work. Then fall came around again and I was able to re-enroll in the University of Miami. "I played 52 games. I played every game that I was at the University of Miami. I started as a freshman. I was all-American, all-Conference. I accomplished all of those things."

It all paid off when he was taken 46th in the NFL draft:

"I just want to let you guys know the greatest day of my life was when I was drafted. I did my draft down here in Canada (Toronto). I was able to have all my childhood friends around me. It was the proudest moment of my life."

Besides overcoming adversity, there was also hard work. A lot of it.

"At UM (University of Miami) we practice at 5:30 a.m.," he said in response to a student's question of whether there ever was a point he wanted to give up. It's no joke there. They teach you discipline so we were waking up at 4:30 a.m. and you had to have all your equipment on at 5:30 a.m. in the morning and then on top of that you had to go to class all day after that.

"I remember I called my mom one day and I said, look - it was my freshman year - I don't think I'm going to make it. I don't think I'm going to be able to do this. She's like, well, I kept my end of the bargain, so you need to man up at the end of the day and keep your end. I was able to refocus my energy into taking care of business."

As inspiring as his life story is to students, the topic of conversation did finally come around to good old fashion football, and he was asked how the NFL compares to college ball.

"It's a lot faster. In college I was able to bully people. I was able to muscle a lot of people. But in the NFL, everybody's big, everybody's strong and on top of that these guys are grown men with families so that's their way of income so they're not going to let you bully them like in college."

Another difference, he added, is "every play in the NFL, it really counts compared to college. In college, you got players that take off plays all the time, but in the NFL that's not the case."

A student in the St. Patrick's gym asks him, "of all things you've been through, going to jail, making the NCAA, going to the pros, what have you taken out of it? What's the life lesson?"

His response:

"All things are possible. I never would have imagined that I'd be in the position that I am today. Without being in the situations that I've been in, in my life, I don't ever see myself really making it where I am.

"Like I appreciate every time my mom used to get mad at me. I thank my mom all the time for leaving me in jail and stuff like that. Because if she didn't do that, if she was easy on me, I would have never been strong enough to make it.

"At the end of the day I realize that everything is possible because if I can make it growing up in a one-bedroom house here in Toronto - anybody in this world can make it, especially doing the things that I've done in my life and making the wrong decisions that I did, but be able to overcome them. Anybody can do it."


(insidetoronto.com)

T Orlando Franklin was thrust into the starting lineup as a rookie and had a season typical of a rookie -- some highs (effective run blocking) and lows (struggles against speed pass rushers, particularly in losses to Detroit, New England and Buffalo).




(cbssports.com)

Broncos rookie right offensive tackle Orlando Franklin has started every game and offensive coordinator Mike McCoy said he has been impressed with the progress made by the 6-foot-7, 330-pounder out of the University of Miami.

“He’s gotten better,” McCoy said this week. “Similar to the two young guys, Zane (Beadles) and J.D. (Walton), last year – each week he’s gotten better. With any football player, the more experience you have, the better you’ll be.

“Early on, Orlando made some mistakes and he learned from it. He stayed positive and Dave (offensive line coach Dave Magazu) has done a great job with him, cleaned some things up.”
Franklin is learning the pro game, McCoy said.

“It’s different than college football,” McCoy explained. “No doubt about it, the speed (of pass rushers) coming off that edge, the techniques you need … he’s learned our system. There are certain things you’re going to learn from week to week. That comes with experience, but he’s done a nice job.”



(denverpost.com)

We hear that one of the many reasons the Broncos have played better of late is due to improvements by a couple of members of the offensive line. ORT Orlando Franklin, a rookie assigned to protect Tim Tebow's blind side, is still seen as a work in progress, but the second-round pick has been flagged only once since Week Nine — a false-start penalty in the noisy Metrodome in Week 13. Franklin's athleticism also comes in handy when Tebow moves out of the pocket, as he has the ability to get downfield and throw blocks when his quarterback is moving. OLG Zane Beadles also has emerged as an impact player in his second season in the league, also in large part to his athleticism. In the Broncos' read-option offense, the guards are asked to do a lot of pulling and running downfield, two skill-sets that Beadles has mastered.  



(profootballweekly.com)

Broncos RT Orlando Franklin was forced from Sunday's game against the Lions with a left knee injury.

Tim Tebow has been sacked six times, in large part due to his inability to read defenses and Franklin's poor pass protection. Chris Clark, who plays as the extra blocker in jumbo packages, has come on as Franklin's replacement.

Click here to order Orlando Franklin’s proCane Rookie Card.


(rotoworld.com)

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Broncos right tackle Orlando Franklin will travel to New Jersey today to be with his mother and older brother while he mourns the death of his younger brother, who died Wednesday in Jamaica at age 20.

Franklin remained in Denver last week and did not miss a practice. He played every offensive snap in Sunday’s 29-24 loss and had one of his best games of his short career, helping provide the block’s for Willis McGahee’s 135-=yard rushing day.

“It was a tough week, but at the end of the day, I have to be a professional,” Franklin said, adding that playing football and his Broncos teammates helped him get through a “tough week.”


(denverpost.com)

Denver Broncos OT Orlando Franklin and LB Von Miller graded out well after the Week 4 loss against the Green Bay Packers. Franklin struggled in pass protection during training camp and the preseason, but he didn't allow a sack to Packers LB Clay Matthews. Miller has four sacks through four games after dropping QB Aaron Rodgers twice in Week 4.


(kffl.com)

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Broncos rookie right tackle Orlando Franklin was excused Wednesday to deal with a family tragedy.

On Wednesday night, Franklin tweeted, “Thanks guys for all your prayers for my little brother. Its a shame that he had to die at 20.”
He didn’t provide any other details.

Franklin’s status for Sunday’s game against San Diego is uncertain. Coach John Fox had already addressed the media when Franklin apparently learned of the situation after practice.

“Orlando was excused from afternoon meetings to deal with a family matter,” team spokesman Patrick Smyth said Wednesday afternoon.
Chris Clark and Tony Hills are backup tackles who could replace Franklin in the lineup against the Chargers if he’s unable to play.

It’s not known when Franklin will return to practice.

Franklin was born in Kingston, Jamaica, but moved in with his older brother in Toronto while in high school before going to Florida to gain recruiting attention. He starred at the University of Miami and was selected by the Broncos with the 46th overall draft pick in April.

He has started all four games for Denver.


(washingtonpost.com)

Try to picture this for a moment.

Instead of Broncos orange and blue, what if Orlando Franklin were wearing the Avalanche's burgundy and blue? Instead of a massive pair of cleats, Franklin moved his 6-foot-7, 330-pound body on a pair of skates?

Franklin, the Broncos' massive rookie offensive right tackle, at least briefly tried to make it as a hockey player, a natural thought for a kid growing up in Toronto.

He played only one season of organized hockey, at age 14. He could skate and had the size, strength and mean streak necessary to be a defensive enforcer, but that one year on skates was enough for Franklin to realize that his true athletic calling was on grass, not ice.

By the time Franklin, who had been playing football in youth leagues in Toronto since he was 7, was 15, he was already growing into the type of body that makes college coaches go gaga, but he knew that to get a scholarship, he'd have to leave Canada.

"My mom up and moved just so I could play," Franklin said. "She always made sacrifices for me and my brother."

It wasn't the family's first move. Sylvia Allen left her native Jamaica when Franklin was just a toddler in order to get her two boys out of a poverty-stricken neighborhood in Kingston. She began working as an in-home health care aide in Canada and was able to find similar work in Boca Raton, Fla., when the family relocated in time for Franklin's junior year of high school.

He arrived at Atlantic High in Delray Beach much the same way he arrived in Denver after the Broncos selected him at No. 46 overall in the NFL draft: physically impressive but with raw football skills. The difference in talent and speed at the high school level between Canada and South Florida was staggering.

"It was hard at first. But as with anything, it can only get better with time," Franklin said. "I put a lot of work into it and got better."

Franklin quickly emerged as a blue- chip recruit and signed with the University of Miami in 2006. After sitting out a year for academic reasons, Franklin went on to play both guard and tackle in his four-year college career.

The Broncos are hoping — and needing — Franklin to make a quick adjustment to the NFL. He has been the starter at right tackle since the first day of training camp, and has received lots of extra instruction on blocking technique from offensive line coach Dave Magazu, while his teammates constantly remind him of his in-game responsibilities.

After the offense breaks the huddle, right guard Chris Kuper, who at 28 is the line's most veteran player, is the first guy to remind Franklin of what his job is. Through the preseason, Franklin has been stuck to Kuper's side, and it is Kuper's voice that is constantly in Franklin's ear.
"(Kuper) is one of our smarter linemen and can make the calls real early for him," quarterback Kyle Orton said.

Orton also has taken extra interest in Franklin and puts in extra work to make sure Franklin is on track.

"They try to keep me on the page where I know exactly what I'm supposed to do. Kyle knows there are things I sometimes struggle with, so he'll point out — 'Big O, you got him,' or he'll actually say it in his cadence," Franklin said. "He takes pretty good care of me."

It's in Orton's best interest, of course, to make sure his rookie right tackle is up to speed.

The predraft scouting report on Franklin was that he was a superior run blocker, a physical player capable of handling double teams and driving defensive linemen backward. His pass-blocking skills needed refining.

"There are so many calls up front and so much communication going on, and there is so much going on while I'm snapping the football — because I like to play fast, you know — so he doesn't have a lot of time to process that information," Orton said. "He's always been a guy that when he knows who to block and how to do it, he'll get it done."

Franklin has good role models in helping adjust to life as a rookie starter. Left tackle

Ryan Clady, center J.D. Walton and left guard Zane Beadles all were starters as rookies.

"It was tough at first, but it tends to get easier as the days go by," Franklin said. "I'm nowhere near where I want to be. I just have to continue to work at it."


(denverpost.com)

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — Broncos rookie right tackle Orlando Franklin is keeping it simple, trying to fend off onrushing defensive players one play, then attempting to send them reeling backward the next.

"I try to bring as much physicality to the game as possible," Franklin said.

It was that same, nasty demeanor that initially piqued the Broncos' interest while breaking down Franklin's game tapes at the University of Miami before the draft. The team saw a player who wasn't afraid to mix it up and throw his substantial weight around — 330 pounds in all on a 6-foot-7 frame.


(kdvr.com)

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- RT Orlando Franklin continues to run with the first team, as he has from Day 1 of training camp.

Franklin initially had to hunker down with veteran linemen Chris Kuper and Russ Hochstein to assimilate all the information from the thick playbook after no OTAs. But now it’s mostly about refining technique.

Offensive line coach Dave Magazu likes Franklin’s aggressiveness, power and work ethic, but, especially, is continuing to refine the rookie’s pass-protection skills.

The main component Franklin is hearing about from Magazu is trying to remain patient and playing with a controlled violence especially in his pass sets, by using proper footwork, body positioning and reach to control opposing rushers.


(sportingnews.com)

Rookie Von Miller, the No. 2 pick in April's draft, is listed as the starter at strong-side linebacker, and second-round pick Rahim Moore is starting at free safety. Orlando Franklin, selected a pick after Moore in the second round, is listed as the starter at right tackle for the Denver Broncos.

Franklin is a 6-foot-7, 330-pound mauler as a run blocker, but his baptism as a pass protector has been difficult. Like the time in practice Monday when rookie Von Miller blew in to sack Orton as if Franklin wasn't there.

"He's a young guy who didn't have OTAs (organized team activities)," Orton said of Franklin. "It's not a problem until you play the games. Practice is where you want the young kids to make mistakes so they'll learn from them. If you see him get beat two or three times, that means he's doing it right on 20 to 25 plays."


(denverpost.com)

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Ryan Harris' departure for Philadelphia makes it even more apparent the team is banking on second-round pick Orlando Franklin to be the starting right tackle, a job Harris held the past three years.

Franklin (6-5, 316) has the size to be a dominating run-blocker, but Harris’ underrated pass protection skills could be missed — especially early on.


(sportingnews.com)

The Broncos drafted Orlando Franklin in the second round 46th overall, out of Miami. Franklin adds some depth to the Broncos O-line and has a chance to start at right tackle depending on what happens with Ryan Harris.

Franklin had his deal finalized 40 minutes before the morning practice.

In the meantime, he was waiting in his hotel room, going over the playbook and bugging his agent, Drew Rosenhaus.

"He kept telling me to stop calling him," Franklin said.

Once he hit the field, Franklin quickly showed the form that made him a second-round pick. Stepping in as a starter at right tackle, he held his own.

"I learned a lot today; messed up a lot also," Franklin said. "But that comes with the territory."

The University of Miami product was given some plays to study during the lockout and quickly absorbed them, not wanting to let down his fellow linemen.

"It kind of stresses that you have to get it down as quick as possibly," the 6-foot-7, 312-pound Franklin said. "You're rolling with four other guys that pretty much know what they're doing.

"But I was pretty much in the same situation in college. Day one of (that) camp I started also. It puts a lot of pressure on you, but with time I think I'll be all right."

Defensive end Elvis Dumervil helped Franklin out, putting him through the paces when the two were in Florida.

"He told me if I'm able to work out down there in Miami and do the stuff that he was doing that I would be all right coming up here," Franklin said. "But I definitely felt like I was real tired out there."

Franklin was called "one of the most physical, nasty linemen in this year's draft" from NFL Networks Mike Mayock. He is perfect for the system that John Fox runs. He measures in at 6-4, 325 pounds, Franklin is a mauler who plays with a nasty streak.  With a 36" reach, Franklin has excellent arms to play either inside or outside for the Broncos.

Franklin started 51 games while at the University of Miami where he played left guard and left tackle.  While Franklin does have NFL intangibles, he will have to work on his footwork and technique.  Those things can be coached. The Broncos over the past few years have been going to a heaver offensive line transitioning from the Shanahan line.


(milehighreport.com)

Orlando Franklin will almost certainly open training camp at right tackle. The Broncos will give him some help in pass protection, sliding that way or adding a tight end or back to his side of the formation.

But as a run blocker, Franklin will come in ready to go.



(denverpost.com)

Second-rounder Orlando Franklin is expected to remain at right tackle even if left-handed passer Tim Tebow wins the starting quarterback job this year.

Like the Jags with Mark Brunell and Tony Boselli and the Bengals with Anthony Munoz and Boomer Esiason, the Broncos will keep Ryan Clady at left tackle. Regarded as a dominant run blocker, the long-armed Franklin is expected to jump right into the starting lineup on the other side. His pass protection is still a work in progress, so Tebow will have to deal with the growing pains.



(rotoworld.com)

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — The Denver Broncos didn’t grab the defensive tackle they so desperately needed in the NFL draft. They did get an offensive tackle with a mean streak in the mold of those run-stuffers in Miami’s Orlando Franklin.

Franklin moved from left guard to left tackle his junior season, but the Hurricanes’ dominant drive blocker will play right tackle in Denver, where he could be protecting Tim Tebow’s blind side if the second-year Florida quarterback beats out Kyle Orton this fall.

What Franklin really looks forward to is boring holes for Tebow or the Broncos running backs.

“I like to think of myself as the most physical offensive lineman that was in this draft, and I am looking forward to bringing that nature to the Denver Broncos,” Franklin said.

It’s hard to overlook the 6-foot-5, 322-pound offensive lineman nicknamed “Big O” now, but that was precisely his family’s fear while Franklin, who was born in Jamaica, was growing up in Toronto.

His family moved to Florida before his senior year of high school so he could get noticed by recruiters.

“It was real hard in Toronto,” Franklin said. “I think that if I never moved from Toronto that I wouldn’t be in the position that I’m in today. Once I got to the U.S. it was not real hard because I got a lot of opportunities to play really early and I got on the field and got recruited by a bunch of teams.”

Franklin chose the University of Miami, where he played in 51 games in four years, one shy of the school record, and registered 29 combined touchdown-resulting blocks in his junior and senior seasons while developing a reputation as a kindhearted teddy bear off the field who transforms himself into a mean player on it.

“Yeah, you could say that, I guess. Some people accuse me of being a dirty player, but I just like to get after it,” Franklin said. “Some people just think I’m a nasty player because I talk a lot on the field and I’m trying to get the pancake (blocks) and stuff and I’m going to talk all game to you. That’s just my game.”

His play is what spoke so loudly to the Broncos.

General manager Brian Xanders visited Miami last year and said he liked everything about Franklin, from his experience to his size and strength, but especially his nastiness.

“He takes his guy three or four yards down the field. He’s a good pass protector because he has length in his arms,” Xanders said. “We just liked his demeanor, and then we had a good interview. He had an edge to him. He was ready to go. We think he fits in also as a right tackle because of his physicality and his size and in the vertical movement he possesses.”

Coach John Fox, who is known for injecting players with a nasty streak into his defenses, looks for the same demeanor in his offensive linemen.
“He’s big and physical and knocks people off the ball. He gets his hands on you and you’re usually going the other way,” Fox said.

So, the Broncos bypassed such heralded run-stuffing prospects as Marvin Austin and Stephen Paea to select Franklin in the second round of the NFL draft last week.

“Orlando helps us big time at tackle,” said John Elway, chief of football operations. “It makes us pretty solid up front.”

Given his nose for nastiness, it’s no surprise that Franklin considers run-blocking his strength, and he said he’s eager to drive defensive linemen back for a mobile quarterback like Tebow: “It definitely makes playing football a whole lot more exciting.”

What he’ll have to hone are his pass-protecting skills, but the Broncos expect him to be able to step right in and start as a rookie in place of Ryan Harris, who is expected to bolt in free agency whenever the NFL’s labor impasse is ironed out.



(washingtonpost.com)

Orlando Franklin, a six-foot-seven, 310-pound offensive lineman with the Miami Hurricanes, is projected to go anywhere between the second and fourth rounds.

Franklin was born in Jamaica, but grew up in Toronto before moving to Florida to enhance his opportunity to secure a football scholarship. After his mother quit her job and moved the family Delray Beach, Fla., Franklin landed at Miami, where he played at guard his first three years there before switching to tackle as a senior.

After playing his entire senior year with a torn meniscus in his knee, Franklin had surgery before the combine but still chose to perform there anyways.

Mike Mayock, The NFL Network's draft guru, has said he doesn't believe Franklin will make it past the second round.

Click here to order Devin Hester’s proCane Rookie Card.



(google.com)

Miami T/G Orlando Franklin revealed that he was among the draft prospects who attended the Combine medical recheck on April 8.
The results weren't disclosed, but this shows that teams were genuinely concerned with Franklin's knee. We researched Franklin extensively and are aware of no missed games in college due to injury. He played in 51 games with 39 starts. Franklin is projected to be drafted in the second- to third-round rannge.



(rotoworld.com)

CORAL GABLES — For the first time in three years, the University of Miami is expected to have a player taken in the first round of the NFL Draft.
Most of the speculation has centered around cornerback Brandon Harris and receiver Leonard Hankerson. But some draft analysts think the first UM player to be picked could be Orlando Franklin, the massive Hurricanes' offensive lineman by way of Atlantic High.

"He's very raw, but athletically there are not many guys like him that are playing left tackle in this year's draft," said Russ Lande, a former Cleveland Browns' scout now serving as The Sporting News' draft analyst. "You just don't find guys his size that can move their feet like he does. It's impossible."

ESPN.com's Todd McShay recently projected the 6-foot-6, 316-pound Franklin to be selected by Pittsburgh with the 31st overall pick, although he has since pushed him down to the second round.

"I'm just happy that I'm getting an opportunity to be drafted," said Franklin last month after participating in UM's Pro Day. "Growing up in Toronto, Canada, I never thought I'd be in the position that I'm in."

Franklin, a native Jamaican, moved to Palm Beach County from Canada as a high school senior. In one season at Atlantic, he established himself as a hot football prospect and signed with Miami.

Unable to meet UM's admission standards out of high school, Franklin sat out 2006 before finally enrolling at UM in the summer of 2007.

He played in 51 games and made 39 starts as a collegian, splitting his time between guard and tackle. He was so impressive during a 2007 game against Virginia star defensive lineman Chris Long, the NFL's No. 2 overall pick in the 2008 draft, that Long wrote this message on Franklin's Facebook page: "You're going to be a real good player. Just keeping having fun and I'll see you on the next level."

That time has come.

"I've always liked Franklin," McShay said. "Whether it's inside at guard or at tackle, over time I think he's going to become a good starting offensive lineman in the league."

Franklin had arthroscopic knee surgery on Jan. 3, but recovered in time to stand out at the NFL Scouting Combine in March.

The biggest question is whether he will remain at tackle, where he played as a senior, or shift back to guard, the position he played during his first three years at UM.

"I really don't have a preference, but if you ask me what position I'm most comfortable, I'm definitely more comfortable at guard because I played it for three years," Franklin said.

The Hurricanes could have as many as eight players selected in the draft (Thursday through Saturday), which would be the most produced by the school since 2006 when nine were drafted.

In his latest mock draft, ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. has six Hurricanes going in the first 86 picks, although none are projected to be chosen in the first round.

DeMarcus Van Dyke, a cornerback who was a backup as a senior, has seen his stock rise dramatically since running 40 yards in 4.28 seconds at the combine. That clocking was the third fastest at the combine since 2000.

Potential Hurricanes in the NFL Draft
Eight Miami players are projected to be drafted. Listed by name, position, height, weight and is which rounds they're likely to be taken:
Brandon Harris, CB, 5-foot-10, 191 pounds - Rounds 1-2
Leonard Hankerson, WR, 6-2, 209 - Rounds 1-2
Orlando Franklin, OL, 6-6, 316, Rounds 1-2
DeMarcus Van Dyke, CB, 6-1, 176 - Rounds 2-3
Allen Bailey, DL, 6-3, 285 - Rounds 2-3
Colin McCarthy, LB, 6-1, 238 - Rounds 3-4
Graig Cooper, RB, 5-10, 205 - Rounds 6-7
Damien Berry, RB, 5-10, 211 - Rounds 6-7



(palmbeachpost.com)

University of Miami offensive tackle Orlando Franklin has visited the Minnesota Vikings, according to a league source with knowledge of the situation.

Franklin is a two-time all-conference selection who was named the Hurricanes' Rookie of the Year as a freshman and was named the University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame Unsung Hero as a senior.

A second-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference selection, Franklin had played offensive guard prior to his senior year when he played hurt with a torn meniscus in his left knee that he delayed having surgery on until after the season.

Franklin has 35-inch arms and 11 1/8 inch hands and quick feet. At the NFL scouting combine, he ran the 40-yard dash in 5.11 seconds and bench pressed 225 pounds 26 times with a 28 1/2 inch vertical leap.

He improved his bench press to 30 repetitions at his Pro Day workout and posted an 8-9 broad jump.

Born in Jamaica and raised in Canada, Franklin moved to Florida before his senior year of high school.

He started 39 games for Miami in four seasons.

Franklin led the team with 61 pancake blocks last season in a dozen starts at left tackle.



(nationalfootballpost.com)

Todd McShay has the following proCanes going in the 2nd and 3rd Rounds of the upcoming NFL draft.

2nd Round:

50. San Diego
Allen Bailey DE Miami (FL)

57. Seattle
Orlando Franklin G Miami (FL)

3rd Round

70. Cleveland
Leonard Hankerson WR Miami (FL)

89. San Diego (from Seattle)
Colin McCarthy LB Miami (FL)



(espn.com)

Miami (FL) T/G Orlando Franklin reportedly showed up to his Pro Day out of shape and looked "non-athletic" in drills last month.

Franklin is also an inch and a half shorter than his 6-foot-7 college listing. At his Pro Day, Franklin weighed in at 319 after reporting to the Combine at 316 and being listed at 312 by Miami. It's not an excessive weight gain, but is concerning that he moved so poorly in drills. ESPN's Todd McShay previously predicted Franklin could be a first-round pick. Pro Football Weekly's Nolan Nawrocki sees Franklin sliding to round three.



(rotoworld.com)

31st PIck of the 2011 NFL Draft: Pittsburgh Steelers
Record: 12-4 | Top needs: OT/OG, CB, NT, WR, TE

Orlando Franklin, OG, Miami (FL)
Cornerback is a possibility here but Smith might be too much of a character risk, and Aaron Williams of Texas might be better at safety. There are also other options among offensive linemen but Franklin has experience playing guard and tackle, he plays with a chip on his shoulder and employs the kind of physical style the Steelers look for in their offensive linemen.

42. Houston Texans: CB Brandon Harris, Miami (FL)

64. Green Bay Packers: DE Allen Bailey, Miami (FL)



(espn.com)

Pro Football Weekly’s Nolan Nawrocki has just posted his latest mock draft, and he has the Bears taking Miami offensive lineman Orlando Franklin with their first-round pick, at No. 29 overall.

The 6-foot-6, 315-pound Franklin was a three-year starter for the Hurricanes, and he played the all-important left tackle spot as a senior, after previously starting at guard.

Nawrocki earlier had the Bears taking Illinois defensive tackle Corey Liuget in the first round, but his latest mock has the Illini standout going to the Seahawks with the 25th pick.

Nawrocki explained his latest Bears pick at ProFootballWeekly.com, thusly: “Although G.M. Jerry Angelo might prefer to find a replacement for Tommie Harris with this pick, the board could be more favorably filled with OL talent. Franklin could be the most physical blocker in this year's draft and perfectly fits the nasty disposition that OL coach Mike Tice seeks in the trenches.”



(dailyherald.com)

University of Miami OL Orlando Franklin said he has spoken with the New Orleans Saints and Pittsburgh Steelers in the last week, reports Omar Kelly, of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel




(kffl.com)

For their Number 50 and 61 picks are the San Diego Chargers looking at two future proCanes?

Orlando Franklin, OT: A reach at 61? Maybe. But he’s got the frame, toughness and upside.

Leonard Hankerson, WR: Broke Andre Johnson’s school record for receiving yards at Miami. Fast, physical at line.



(signonsandiego.com)

Former Miami offensive lineman Orlando Franklin was No. 5 in top 10-yard splits (1.72) and was timed at 5.20 (official) in the 40. ESPN's Scouts Inc. said Franklin was "clearly playing out of position at left tackle" at Miami:

At 6-5 and 316 pounds, he showed just average quickness during drills but did display good short-area lateral agility. He also looked balanced throughout and did a nice job staying low out of his stance during pulling drills. Franklin was clearly playing out of position at left tackle during the college season, but he has the strength and short-area capabilities to be a reliable starter on the inside at the next level.



(espn.com)

Riser:
Leonard Hankerson, WR, Miami Hurricanes: Demonstrating good speed was something he had to do on Sunday. He did just that, running a 4.43 40, which turned out to tie for the 10th best time in Indy and the fourth best among receivers. He shows good hands on the field after questions arose earlier in his career, but some weren't sure of his speed because he wasn't that deep burner at Miami. Questions, answered.

Matt Bosher, P, Miami (Fla.): Bosher showed a strong leg and the ability to turn the ball over and drive it with no trouble. One issue was that he showed only adequate quickness catching the ball and getting off the punt.

Miami guard Orlando Franklin quietly had a solid day, turning in an adequate 5.20 (official) in the 40 and showing good short-area quickness with a 1.72 (official) 10-yard split. At 6-5 and 316 pounds, he showed just average quickness during drills but did display good short-area lateral agility. He also looked balanced throughout and did a nice job staying low out of his stance during pulling drills. Franklin was clearly playing out of position at left tackle during the college season, but he has the strength and short-area capabilities to be a reliable starter on the inside at the next level.

Damien Berry posted top marks in the broad jump - 10”0’ - and the bench press,  where he repped 225 pounds 23 times.  

Faller:
Graig Cooper, RB, Miami Hurricanes: Cooper's career took a serious turn when he tore an ACL on an awful, muddy field at the 2009 Champs Sports Bowl in Orlando. He never really got all the way back since the injury and shared time in a busy backfield rotation, but a nice showing at the Combine could have helped his stock. He ran a 4.63 40 on Sunday, which could hurt his stock as a change of pace back who can contribute as a homerun threat or a returner.

Cooper though did lead all running backs at the NFL Combine with a time of 6.66 seconds in the 3-cone drill. Cooper also ranked second among all running backs in the 20-yard shuttle with a time of 4.03.



(xtrapointfootball.com)

 

INDIANAPOLIS — University of Miami offensive lineman Orlando Franklin played his entire senior season with a torn meniscus, and out of position. But at the NFL combine, he is working to prove to NFL scouts that he’s not only healthy, but will become “a beast at guard” for the team that selects him in April's draft.

Here is a Q&A I had with the former Delray Beach Atlantic High School star:

How much interaction have you had with NFL coaches?
“They are just excited to see what I’m going to do. Everyone knows I had surgery six weeks ago [to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee] and they are excited to see that I got back as fast as possible and that I’m going to be doing everything at the combine.”

Do you feel like you’re 100 percent physically?
“I feel like if I’m not 100, I’m 98.”

Do you know when you tore the meniscus in your left knee?
“I suffered it my junior year. I was asking to get an MRI at the end of the season but they thought it was tendinitis so we elected not to get the MRI. But I finally got the MRI three weeks before camp started, in the middle of July and it turned out my meniscus was torn. At the University of Miami I thought we had something special going on this year and I was playing a different position so I didn’t want to have surgery. I wanted to be there for my teammates and not miss any days of camp.”

When coaches ask you what position you see yourself playing what do you say?
“I’ll play any position they’ll have me at. I’ll play guard for three years at the collegiate level and tackle for one year. If you look at the situation I’m more comfortable at guard because I’ve been playing it for three years, but if they need me to go in and get it done at tackle I can definitely get it done.”

Outside of the experience factor what makes you more comfortable at guard?
“Just going against different players, I’ve played it for two years and the reason I’m more comfortable at the position is because I’ve played so much at it. I feel as if I’ve got all the answers at guard. I feel as if I’m a beast at guard.”

Do you feel like playing left tackle your senior year hurt you?
“It didn’t hurt me. But it doesn’t matter what it did for me, as long as I helped my teammates out, did what I needed to do for the University of Miami it’s all good. They were there for me and I was happy to be there for them. I was happy to play any position. If they wanted me to play center, even though I’ve never taken a snap at that position I would have definitely go there and help them out.”

What type of player do you think you can develop into?
“With a little technique work I think I can be a great tackle in the NFL. I think I’ll be a great guard being that I’ve played it for three years already. Whatever team drafts me and gives me an opportunity I’m going to work at whatever position they have me playing and I’m going to get better each and every day.”

What do you feel like you have the most to prove during this evaluation process in the draft?
“I’m trying to show my will to get it done. I’ve never had to come back from an injury this quick. I’ve never really had to get up every day and train hard to get back. I had surgery six weeks ago and I’ve been running full speed for two weeks. I wasn’t supposed to do that. With hard work and dedication I was able to.”

Did you develop a different mindset having to come back from that injury?
“I always had a tough mentality, but I had to get a little tougher to get back and do what I was able to do (prepare for the combine). I had to toughen up even more and let the doctors do exactly what they wanted me to do and not question them….I knew they had my best interest in mind and I was going to be able to come back as quickly as possible.”

Was the NFL always a goal?
“I grew up in Toronto, Canada so I never thought I’d be here. I’m definitely excited to be here and to meet new people. I’ve been looking forward to this weekend to show NFL teams what I can do. The hard part is gone. The games are over, the training is done. I’m excited to show them what I can do. I got to do what I always do. Run fast, jump high and lift a lot of weight. My biggest asset is I’m a very explosive guy and I’m fast. I’m ready to showcase that.

What was the medical process for you like at the combine?
“It was cool because my knee doesn’t hurt at all. I was pretty happy. I thought they’d force it to start hurting but my knee doesn’t hurt at all. It was a great feeling to get through that without a twinge or anything. We were there for about five hours.”

Do you think this is the year the Hurricanes get back in the first round?
“There’s eight of us here. I’m excited to see us this weekend. I know we’re ready to perform.”

What do you think is the biggest thing that got you here, to this point?
“I got a great mom [in Sylvia Allen]. She left me in Jamaica when I was 2 years old. She moved to Canada, got her papers and got legally situated. A year later I was flying up to Canada after she filed for us [to immigrate]. When I was about 15 years old I told my mom I wanted to play football and I thought Florida would be the best place for me, and the best opportunity for me to do that. She ups and quits her job, moves down here and a year later I’m down in Florida. I got a great mom that will do anything to see her children succeed. She’s definitely been there for me for 100 percent and I wouldn’t be anywhere without her.”



(sun-sentinel.com)

Miami offensive lineman Orlando Franklin came in at 6054, 316 pounds and possessed 35-inch arms. He looked to be in good shape, was thick in the lower half and passed the eyeball test.




(nationalfootballpost.com)