NY Rookie Gets Defensive
June 13, 2002 - arenafootball2 (af2) News Release
NEW YORK (June 13, 2002) â Quickness, strength, and instincts.
All are traits that any coach loves to see in his own players. The ultimate goal is to find these three descriptive features in one player, but the question to be asked is: "Can a coach realistically expect to find them in a rookie?"
New York Dragons coach JOHN GREGORY has been lucky enough to discover these characteristics in defensive specialist, DONVETIS FRANKLIN. The rookie out of Michigan State has soared to the heights of recognition by earning Defensive Player of the Month in May and Defensive Player of the Week two weeks ago.
"I'm really excited about what he's accomplished so far," Gregory said. "He' s gotten better every week. Donvetis is a hard worker and a future superstar in this league."
The former Spartan finds his name scattered all over the AFL defensive leader board. Franklin is among the leaders in total tackles (61.0, No. 1), passes defended (16, No. 3), and interceptions (4, tied for No. 5). He played for the Carolina Rhinos of arenafootball2 (af2) â the AFL's grassroots, developmental league â in 2001, where he registered 77.0 tackles and one sack, while returning 23 kicks for an average of 24.8 yards per return.
The ball-hawking rookie recorded 28 solo tackles, 10 assists, one tackle for loss, and a fumble recovery during the month of May. Franklin also added three interceptions, a kickoff recovery for a touchdown, and a 25-yard interception return for a touchdown. He was selected Defensive Player of the Week for Week Six.
What does the 5-11, 190-pound defensive standout attribute his success to?
"It's determination," Franklin said. "I don't want to come out here and be a mediocre player. I just want to come out and compete with the best â and I feel I can do that. My hope is that I will have an impact in the AFL and help my team win."
Don't look now, coach, but the future just might be now.
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