Before John Franklin III joined the Auburn football program, he began his career at Florida State, sitting behind Jameis Winston. Unhappy with a lack of playing time, Franklin transferred to East Mississippi Community College, where he was a star on the Netflix original series Last Chance U.
At EMCC, Franklin did more of the same, watching quarterback Wyatt Roberts from the sidelines. Roberts transferred to Mississippi State as a student, but was then brought on as a preferred walk-on.
Auburn found the athleticism of Franklin enticing, blinded by the fact that he was not a polished passer.