Willie Franklin’s Mizzou QB son to face dad’s alma mater: No. 1 Oklahoma

Missouri quarterback James Franklin

The Associated Press reports:

COLUMBIA, Mo. – (AP) — James Franklin’s father was a standout tight end at Oklahoma before going on to the NFL.
The Sooners recruited Willie Franklin’s son as an athlete, while Missouri wanted him to play quarterback. That sounded good to the younger Franklin, who eventually lost interest in following his dad’s footsteps to Norman, Okla.
“With him it was quarterback the whole way,” offensive coordinator and recruiting coordinator Dave Yost said. “He’s smooth and athletic, but I don’t know what else he’d play here if he didn’t play quarterback because he’s not vertically the fastest guy out there.”
Franklin will try to beat his dad’s alma mater on Saturday night and help the Tigers (2-1) knock off the nation’s top-ranked team for a second consecutive year.
The 6-foot-2, 225-pound sophomore from Corinth, Texas, said he wasn’t an Oklahoma fan growing up, although he remembers watching some games on TV with his dad. Forget the family ties, though.

Read the full story.
Willie Franklin, who played for the Baltimore Colts, is a well-known minister and speaker in Churches of Christ.
Last year, Franklin spoke on Mission Sunday at my home congregation, the Edmond Church of Christ in Oklahoma, on the morning after his son scored a touchdown in Missouri’s upset win over Oklahoma in Columbia, Mo.
In the sermon, Franklin mentioned his son:

“Keep him in your prayers. He’s not just at Missouri to play football. One of the guys asked him — since he doesn’t cuss, doesn’t do tattoos, don’t do earrings … (My son) said, ‘My sisters wear all that stuff.’ They said, ‘Well, why you here playing football?’ He said, ‘Because I want to bring some of y’all to Jesus.'”

The sermon title: “Don’t Just Stand There, Do Something!” Click here and scroll down to listen to the Oct. 24, 2010, sermon.

• Feedback
  As a member of the Church of Christ, a University of Missouri Alumna, and a MIZZOU football fan I am pleased and honored to have James Franklin leading people to victory on and off the field.

  Kelly Wilkinson

  September, 23 2011

  Here’s <a href=”http://newsok.com/franklins-are-sooners-by-heart-but-tigers-by-choice/article/3606624″ rel=”nofollow”>another story</a> about Willie and his son, this one from <em>The Oklahoman.</em>

  Bobby Ross Jr.

  September, 23 2011

  A chip off the old block that didn’t fall too far from the tree…. yeah, too many metaphors at once there, but there aren’t enough to describe how immensely proud this makes me. I ain’t seen the Franklins in years, but Willie made a profound impression on me. Lessons he shared with me I’ve passed on to many others. Last I saw James he was a toddler enamored with my hairy arms. He was a sweet kid, no wonder he’s grown up well and taken his father’s tutelage to heart. Thanks for putting this in your periodic e-mail. I’m glad I took the time to read it.

  G

  September, 26 2011

  Willie is my uncle and James is my first cousin. I grew up listening to him preach and tell us rights from wrongs. I am so proud of my family and the things that they have and continue to accomplish. James is a great athlete and we are all rooting for him in all of his endeavors. A great all around kid!

  Franklin

  September, 13 2012

  We have the pleasure of being able to hear Bro Willie in a meeting coming up.He will be at the Niceville Church of Christ in niceville ,Fl. We are excited to listen him proclaim God’s word

  dianne nevius

  October, 25 2012