Louisiana: Interview with Haynesville Class of 2017 Quarterback Trent Franklin

Written by Charlie Beuttel
Twitter: @charlie_cds3 

Haynesville has a great and rich history of high school in Louisiana as the Golden Tornado are second in the state with 18 state championships including two out of the last three years and have advanced to the state title game in each of the last four seasons.

In 2015, Haynesville didn’t start well dropping their first two games before reeling off 11 straight wins making a run to the state championship game before falling 40-7 to Kentwood.

One of the leaders of the offense last year, who helped the Golden Tornado score on average 39.4 points a game, was junior quarterback Trent Franklin. Trent’s family has a legacy in Haynesville as his grandfather, Red Franklin, has been a head coach or an assistant coach since 1967 and his dad, David Franklin, is the current head coach. The Golden Tornado home stadium is also named after his grandfather.

Despite his family history, Trent is trying to make a name for himself by having a standout career as a Golden Tornado. In his junior season, the 6’3”, 190 pound, playmaker threw for 522 yards and seven touchdowns and ran for 290 yards and 10 more scores.

The Class of 2017 recruit is already drawing interest from Louisiana-Lafayette and has already visited their campus. He plans on attending more camps this summer and is set for another successful season leading Haynesville on the field to another title run.

Franklin also works hard in the classroom where he currently has a 3.0 GPA.

In an exclusive Recruiting News Guru, I sat down with Trent to talk about his career at Haynesville, his family legacy at the school and his recruiting process.

Interview
What are your thoughts on the 2015 season?

“It didn’t start off good but it got going good. We didn’t finish it like we wanted but it was a good season overall.”

What are your thoughts on your individual performance?

“I did alright. I improved from the year before but I still have some things to work on but I did pretty good this season.”

Did you receive any individual honors?

“Second team All-District.”

What was your most memorable moment?

“Getting to start in the Superdome. We didn’t win but it was a good experience. Next year we’ll make sure and win.”

Are you currently receiving interest from any schools?

“Louisiana-Lafayette.”

Do you have any offers?

“No sir, not at this time.”

Have you gone on any visits?

“Louisiana-Lafayette.”

How did that visit?

“It was good. I really liked that campus.”

Will you attend any camps this summer?

“Louisiana Tech, LSU, Louisiana-Lafayette, Louisiana-Monroe, and Northwestern State and probably more but I’m not sure yet.”

What is your favorite thing about playing football?

“I like the bond with my teammates it’s like a brotherhood.”

Who has had the biggest impact on your football career?

“My grandpa, Red Franklin, he’s a coaching legend. My dad, David, is the head coach and my grandpa is an assistant coach. He’s a big impact on my life. He never misses a practice or a game. He’s always there and he knows everything.”

How does Haynesville look going into next season?

“We look good. We lost two offensive starters but we got people that will move up. It will be another successful year.”

Do you have goals going into your senior season?

“To go undefeated and win a state championship.”

Is there any extra pressure on you to win state titles, have great seasons, and perform well on the field at Haynesville since they have such a rich history in football and your family has a legacy in the program?

“There is a lot of pressure on you from the town. No matter where you’re at people ask questions about the team. Everything is about football in this town. I like it like that.”

Is there pressure to make it back to the dome for the fifth consecutive season?

“I always want to go back but we have to work for it and we want to go back.”

What is your current GPA?

“3.0.”

Have you thought about what you want to study in college?

“No sir, not yet.”

Thank you for your time and good luck in your senior season.

“Thank you sir.”

Photo credit: The Shreveport Times; Haynesville QB Trent Franklin makes a play against Kentwood.

Photo credit: shreveporttimes.com; David Franklin instructs the Golden Tornado.