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Malzahn to work Franklin at WR in practice, will compete for QB job

Chuck Cook / USA TODAY Sports

John Franklin III could be useful to Auburn in more ways than one next season.

Head coach Gus Malzahn has decided that, along with working with the quarterbacks in practice, the former Florida State commit and East Mississippi Community College quarterback will be getting reps at the wide receiver position, according to Josh Vitale of AU Now.

"He worked with the quarterbacks. He also got some reps at some receiver, too," Malzahn said. "He's got a skill set. Obviously everybody knows he's a great athlete, but it's kind of really hard to tell. He hasn't got much but we'll give him an opportunity, and his attitude is great. He's wanting to help the team any way he can."

Franklin's passing contribution was minimal last season, completing 14-of-26 passes for 204 yards and a single touchdown. His greater contribution came as a rushing option under center, where he tallied a total of 430 yards on 40 carries for two touchdowns.

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