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Gators keep Feleipe Franks as starting QB for season opener

Feleipe Franks will remain Florida's starting quarterback when the Gators open the season against Charleston Southern, the school announced on Monday.

Dan Mullen, who is in his first season as head coach, stuck with the experience of the third-year sophomore Franks, who went 3-5 as a starter last season.

Redshirt sophomore Kyle Trask will serve as Franks' backup.

Franks, a Florida native, showed a strong arm but struggled with consistency as a redshirt freshman last season. He completed 54.6 percent of his passes with 9 touchdowns and 8 interceptions in 11 appearances.

Franks could benefit from an improved receiver corps, however. The Gators not only return Tyrie Cleveland and Kadarius Toney, they added former Ole Miss wideout Van Jefferson via transfer.

Jefferson caught 91 passes for 999 yards and 4 touchdowns in two seasons with the Rebs.

Florida opens at home against the Buccaneers on Saturday night. A week later, the Gators begin conference play at home against Kentucky.