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Running back Samuel Franklin transferring to OU

Bob Przybyloby:Bob Przybylo•12/13/23•

BPrzybylo

Syndication: The Oklahoman
OU running backs coach DeMarco Murray speaks. Photo credit: Bryan Terry - The Oklahoman/USA TODAY Network.

Running back wasn’t a huge spot for OU to hit in the transfer portal, but the Sooners knew they needed at least one piece.

That piece has been found. Former Tennessee-Martin running back Samuel Franklin announced he is going to transfer to Oklahoma.

Franklin rushed for 1,378 yards and 11 touchdowns this season and will have two seasons of eligibility remaining.

The Sooners have been hit hard by the transfer portal at running back, losing three guys (Marcus Major, Tawee Walker, Daylan Smothers). Most of it was expected, though, so no panic button was hit.

However, after Franklin announced he intended to hit the portal Dec. 4, OU was quick to act. The Sooners were the first of many, many schools to offer him, beginning Dec. 6.

Those 1,378 yards came on 223 carries, averaging 6.2 yards per rush. As a redshirt freshman in 2022, Franklin rushed for 676 yards and eight touchdowns.

Franklin had seven games of rushing for at least 100 yards in 2023, including two with at least 220 yards. Against Georgia in the season opener, he rushed for 46 yards on 12 attempts.

He becomes the fourth portal addition for OU, joining offensive tackle Spencer Brown (Michigan State), defensive back Dez Malone (San Diego State) and wide receiver Deion Burks (Purdue).

Track transfer portal activity

As of December 13th, 1,641 FBS players have entered the Transfer Portal.

While the NCAA Transfer Portal database is private, the On3 Network has streamlined the reporting process tracking player movement. If you find yourself asking, ‘How can I track transfer portal activity?’ our well-established network of reporters and contacts across college athletics keeps you up to speed in several ways, from articles written about players as they enter and exit the transfer portal or find their new destination, to our social media channels, to the On3 Transfer Portal.

The transfer portal wire provides a real-time feed of player activity, including basic player profile information, transfer portal ranking and original On3 Industry recruiting ranking, as well as NIL valuation (name, image and likeness).

The On3 Transfer Portal Rankings allow for you to filter the On3 Industry Rankings to find the best of the best in the portal, starting with Overall Top Players. 

You can dive deeper into the rankings and filter by position whether it is Quarterback, Running Back, Wide Receiver, Tight End, Offensive Tackle, Interior Offensive Line, Edge, Defensive Line, Linebacker, Cornerback, Safety, Athlete, Kicker, Punter, or Long Snapper you’re looking for. 

The On3 Transfer Portal Instagram account and Twitter account are excellent resources to stay up to date with the latest moves.

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