uab picks up ol transfer baron franks ii from norfolk state

Photo by Ken Shepherd

By Steve Irvine

BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA - May 16, 2024

UAB football signee Baron Franks II, who came to the Blazers through the transfer portal from Norfolk State, describes himself as a late bloomer.

The 6-foot-5, 264-pound offensive lineman only played two seasons of varsity football. He spent the first two years in high school as a member of the marching band and didn’t attend a football camp until after his junior season.

His story is similar to the path that UAB offensive line coach Matt McCants took toward becoming an All-C-USA tackle for the Blazers and eventually playing in the NFL. Franks learned about McCants’ journey during his recruitment.

“That’s something we had in common,” Franks said with a laugh. “His Mom had him in the band (until his senior year). I used to be in the marching band at Greenville High School in Greenville, South Carolina. I was in the marching band up until my sophomore year (ended). I played JV football as a sophomore. We played on Thursday, so I was there at the (varsity) games in marching band on Fridays.”

Franks drew recruiting interest from FCS schools during high school. His scholarship offers included South Carolina State, Alabama State, Norfolk State and VMI. He redshirted at Norfolk State in 2021 and was a starter at offensive tackle over the next two seasons.

He entered the transfer portal in late April.

“It was a very tough decision,” Franks said. “I left a lot of relationships, a lot of my guys. Those guys are going to have a great year this year. Except for me, those guys will be returning the front five. They’re going to be very solid.”

Franks said his decision to leave was as rooted in off the field and it was on the field. He earned his undergraduate degree in accounting and wanted to get a Master of Business Administration. Franks said Norfolk State does not offer a MBA program.

Franks said several schools reached out to him after he entered the transfer portal. He visited UAB late last week and signed with the Blazers on Wednesday.

“I could feel the family, I could feel the culture that Trent Dilfer brings to UAB,” Franks said. “That was a really big part of what I was looking for. Somewhere I’m not going to be afraid to walk in the door and know that there are going to be open arms.”

He enters a competition for playing time that has talent and depth but is still open at most spots. He said he’s ready to compete at wherever he is needed.

“I was recruited to play tackle,” Franks said. “I have played tackle, in games, throughout my career. However, I have multiple practice reps playing interior positions. I am a guy with versatility. If you have dreams to play at the next level, you want to be that guy who shows versatility. You can earn your way onto the field. Even at this level of football, God forbid, a guy can go down at any time.

Somebody needs to step up because the show must go on, UAB must win.”

Franks said he is ready for the jump from FCS to FBS.

“Definitely excited but it’s nothing I think about too much,” Franks said. “FCS is a very competitive level of football. I’ve blocked at the FBS level. We played against FBS programs every year. It’s something I already know I can do. It’s just how consistent can I be, day in and day out. That is a challenge that I’m looking forward to.”