Ware County started out the gates strong this season with a 55-7 beatdown of Appling County. The emerging standout player was Tayshaun Franklin, who was just voted the Player of the Week, and is off to a great season.
“My senior year has gotten off to an amazing start. In my scrimmage game, I rushed for 92 yards with 2 touchdowns, and last week I had 152 yards off of 6 carries and 3 touchdowns. With my longest rush being a 75-yard run,” Franklin said.
The efficiency and dominance of Ware County in Week 1 bodes well for this season, and Franklin provides versatility and power that will send opposing defensive coordinators into fits. His versatility comes from Franklin’s prior position, plus a background playing basketball, which provides a unique, hard-to-quantify skill trait that has consistently led to breakout seniors.
“What I most improved on from last year is my vision and breakaway speed. I didn’t know much about RB last year coming from TE, but now that I’ve gotten better and learned some great techniques from teammates and coaches, I feel like I’m on top of my game right now. Also, I wanted to get bigger, faster, and stronger, and the proof is in my tape so far.”
Over the summer, Franklin committed to Bryant University. We asked about his decision and what made it feel right.
“Bryant University is everything I looked for in my recruiting process. I didn’t look for the biggest name or any money; I wanted a brotherhood and coaches who I knew would develop me into not only a great football player but an amazing man. They made me feel at home on my official visit. Coach Merritt and Coach Linney were a huge part of my decision.”
With college destination out of the way, the senior is unencumbered and focused on dominating each week. The perfect storm is forming at Ware County, and they look like a dangerous team with SR running backs Tay Franklin and Jamir Boyd each capable of +100 yards in a night. Major credit to the offensive line, too.
We can see Ware County making a deep playoff push with this unit, and that, of course, might attract additional eyes for the roster. Franklin is a stoutly built 6’1″, 210 lbs. athlete who we have likened to a slightly shorter Jaheim Bell over the years.
Over the last year, Franklin has worked hard at improving his game.
“What can I do that separates me from others is everything. At Ware County, we teach discipline, relentless effort, and versatility. I feel as if I can play in any package. I can be at tailback, tight end, wing back, wide out, maybe even linebacker. I’m also huge on personality and first impressions. I’m a firm believer in getting my guys ready and staying in a killer mindset,” Franklin said.
Franklin feels like his versatility is a difference-maker. “I’m a football player, wherever I’m asked to play, I feel like I can do it at a high level, and it shows with me only playing running back, not even a full season.”
We are just one week into the season, and you can already tell Ware County will be a fun program to follow, so be sure to do the same, and find @RecruitGeorgia on Twitter/X for more stories across the state.
