Running back Thad Franklin transferring and who could be next for Miami football

Running back Thad Franklin announced via Instagram he will enter the transfer portal at the end of the season following his Miami football teammate Gilbert Frierson who announced earlier this week. Several reports emerged earlier this week that Franklin was frustrated with his reps in practice this week.

Don Chaney Jr. who is healthy for the first time this season reportedly received reps that diminished the amount Franklin was accustomed to during practice. Franklin was the number two RB on the Miami football team behind starter Henry Parrish to begin the season with Jaylan Knighton out with a muscle injury.

Franklin is third on Miami with 50 carries and 217 yards and leads the Hurricanes with five rushing touchdowns. Knighton emerged ahead of Franklin last week with Parrish out with an injury. Franklin had six carries for 15 yards in the last two games combined after not receiving a carry in each of the prior two games.

Without Franklin available, Miami has Parrish, Knighton, preferred walkon Lucius Stanley and potentially Chaney in the final two games this season. True freshman Tre’Vonte Citizen is redshirting after suffering a season-ending knee injury during training camp in August. Citizen is a huge part of the Miami future at RB.

"“Growing up in South Florida, I have been a diehard Canes fan my whole life. I grew up dreaming to hit the field in orange and green. I was honored to have the opportunity to be a Miami Hurricane and represent them on the gridiron. I am thankful for the opportunity and will always cherish my time at the U.However, my time at the University of Miami has come to an end. I will be entering the transfer portal in an effort to continue pursuing my dreams. I want to thank my coaches, my teammates and everyone associated with the program for allowing me to grow and make friendships, relationships and memories there.You will be truly missed. “I want to thank the Hurricane fans for embracing me and for all the love you have shown me in my time there. I will always be a Cane at heart.”"

The comments above were from the Instagram post from Franklin to explain his decision to transfer. Franklin was a record-setting RB at Chaminade-Madonna High School. Coming out of high school, Franklin was the 254th ranked player, 16th RB and 35th in Florida in the Class of 2021.

Franklin will have two years of eligibility remaining and be eligible immediately with his new program. The Miami football team does not currently have a RB committed to its 2023 class. Expect Mario Cristobal, offensive coordinator Josh Gattis and RBs coach Kevin Smith to look to the transfer portal to add RB depth.

Keyshawn Smith did not make the trip to Georgia Tech and reportedly has not been practicing with the team. Smith was a starter at WR early in the season and is third nationally averaging 30.48 yards per kickoff return. Brashard Smith had one kickoff return for 19 yards at Georgia Tech and Kamren Kinchens recovered an onside kick.

Smith will almost certainly enter the transfer portal after the season. Expect multiple Hurricanes to enter the transfer portal after the season. Cristobal expects a different culture than the previous Miami staffs. Miami will be active in the transfer portal to upgrade the roster and replace their own transfers.