Replacing Blaine: meet your new quarterbacks

Freshmen James Franklin and Tyler Gabbert will vie for the starting position in 2011.

By Brian Haenchen

Published Jan. 4, 2011

The Blaine Gabbert era at Missouri ended a year early Monday afternoon when the junior quarterback officially declared for the NFL Draft.

Gabbert’s departure opens the door for one of two young quarterbacks to take over the Missouri offense.

As the early favorite, freshman James Franklin’s size compliments his speed, adding a new dimension to Missouri’s offensive attack. He has the agility to break through to the second level where his size makes it difficult for opposing defensive backs to take him down.

Franklin utilizes that athleticism on passing plays as well. The 6-2, 230 pound quarterback is mobile enough to evade oncoming defenders without leaving the pocket. That pocket presence allows him to progress through his reads and creates extra time for his receivers to get open down field.

The Corinth, Texas native also has game experience. Entering spring camp, Franklin was listed as No. 4 on the Tigers’ depth chart. However, he moved up the depth chart as the spring and summer progressed, entering the regular season as the team’s 2nd string quarterback and made nine appearances over the course of the season.

In those nine games, Franklin was 11 of 14 passing for 106 yards with a touchdown and an interception. He was utilized mostly for his running ability, however, racking up a total of 116 yards and two rushing touchdowns on 23 attempts.

Coming out of high school, Franklin was ranked by Rivals.com as the nation’s No. 4 dual threat quarterback and was rated by Scouts.com as the nation’s 11th overall quarterback prospect. In his senior season at Lake Dallas High School, Franklin threw for 2,360 yards, rushed for 1,282 yards, and accumulated 41 total touchdowns en route to being honored as the District 5-4A Most Valuable Player.

Vying with Franklin for that coveted starting quarterback position is Gabbert’s younger brother freshman Tyler Gabbert. Like Blaine, Tyler Gabbert originally committed to Nebraska, but reneged at the last minute to play for Missouri.

At 6-1, 187 pounds, size is a concern with Tyler Gabbert. Injuries could play a factor should he start taking a lot of hits, while his height limits his field vision.

Gabbert does have the skills to help offset some of those concerns, however. He compensates for that lack of size with solid mechanics in his throwing motion. Once he sets his feet, his over-the-top delivery and quick release gives him the ability to fit passes with a good amount of velocity into tight spaces. The spread offense, which features a lot of shotgun formations, will aid Tyler Gabbert’s field vision as well.

Similar to Franklin, Tyler Gabbert also throws well while on the move and is elusive enough in the pocket to give create time for his receivers down field and avoid taking big hits.

Ranked as the nation’s No. 12 quarterback prospect by Scout.com and 8th in the state of Missouri by Rivals.com, Tyler was recruited by Nebraska, Iowa, Oregon and Kansas, among others.

As a junior at Parkway West High School, Gabbert threw for 1,900 yards and 18 touchdowns. He had an impressive senior campaign as well, throwing for 1,148 yards and 8 touchdowns. He also rushed for 225 yards and two touchdowns that season.

While Franklin appears to be the early front-runner for the starting quarterback position, he is by no means a lock. Gabbert has the skills to out perform Franklin in camp and take the starting spot. Fans will get a chance to see these two quarterbacks battle it out for the first time in the annual Black and Gold game this spring.

An overview

James Franklin Hometown: Corinth, Texas High school: Lake Dallas Height: 6'2" Weight: 220 lbs Also recruited by: Baylor, LSU, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Oregon

Tyler Gabbert Hometown: Ballwin, Mo. High School: Parkway West Height: 6’1 Weight: 187 lbs Also recruited by: Iowa, Iowa State, Kansas, Nebraska, Oregon, Wake Forest

Source: Scout.com/ESPN.com