Interview: Varsity Time in 2016 is a Springboard to Impact Role for 2019 California WR Alex Franco
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
In sports, much like in life, there is nothing better than earning one’s way forward. Instead of being handed something, working for what one has received not only builds character but instills motivation to strive for that next level of achievement. For Cathedral High School Class of 2019 wide receiver Alex Franco, every stat and snap played during the 2016 schedule was gained by hard work and determination.
When the 2016 season started out, Franco was in a tough position on the Phantoms roster. If the Los Angeles area school had great talent and depth anywhere on the roster it was at the skill positions. The Phantoms placed two Class of 2017 receivers in the Pac-12 with Jamire Calvin (86/1,1312/14) signing with Washington State and Arex Flemings (94/973/11) inking with Oregon State. The secondary also graduated Jeffery Manning (Oregon State) and Rhedi Short (Arizona). The 2018 class was deep as well with Aaron Howard and Colin Payne at corner. Despite a deep Class of 2018 linebacker rotation that included Craig “KK” Francois and Halid Djibril as well as Class of 2017 leader Austin Charles, Franco found his way onto the field as both a receiver and outside linebacker.
Franco appeared in all 12 Phantom games helping his squad to an 11-1 campaign. The 6-0, 180 pound, growing talent had his role expanded as the season went along hauling in seven passes for 58 yards with two touchdowns while adding nine tackles, two tackles for a loss, one pass broken up, one fumble recovery, and one interception with another pick called back because of a penalty. With all the senior talent on offense gone, the coaching staff at Cathedral are looking to Franco to help fill the void in 2017.
In a Recruiting News Guru One to Watch Interview, I sat down with Franco ahead of what should be a breakout season covering the experience gained during his sophomore season and the hard work put into his off-season.
Interview
Alex, how did your role on both sides of the ball evolve during the 2016 season?
“Playing both sides made me more versatile for the coaches. I played through all four quarters without needing a blow. I have a big old motor. For the first part of the season I was at outside linebacker and then around the fourth game I was playing both ways.”
Between linebacker and receiver, which is your primary position?
“Right now I would say receiver.”
What are you working on off-season to prepare for your junior year?
“I’m trying to get faster. I’m moving my hips around better. Instead of coming out of breaks slow I am coming out fast, exploding through my breaks and exploding through defenders.”
How have spring practices gone so far?
“Actually, it has gone great. With all the talent we have on the team, it has been great. The talent on the team creates good competition. Our team has a great atmosphere to be around.”
Will you be counted on to play linebacker next season?
“I will be in the rotation but not starting. They want me on offense more this year.”
Will your role on offense change at all? Will you become a bigger focal point, get any carries – opportunities like that?
“I don’t think I will get any carries next season but more weight will be on my shoulders as a pass receiver during my junior season.”
Are you playing 7v7 ball this spring?
“Yes, sir. I have played with Premium and LA Magic, and with my high school team.”
How is 7v7 ball helping fine-tune your game?
“Being with LA Magic and my high school team has improved chemistry with my QB, Bryce Young (2020). The chemistry will be there this season between us.”
Have you attended any camps this spring so far?
“No, sir.”
Are there any camps you may attend this summer?
“I am planning on attending a NAU (Northern Arizona) camp this summer and a QB-receiver camp over Memorial Day weekend.”
Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you?
“Right now I have a couple of D-II schools showing some interest.”
What is your cumulative GPA?
“3.2.”
What is your favorite subject in school?
“History.”
What do you love about history?
“The way history repeats itself. I like learning what the U.S. has overcome to be the great country it is today.”
Last question. What goals have you set for yourself for the 2017 schedule?
“My goals for the season are to score 15 touchdowns and bring back a ring to Cathedral.”
Alex, thanks for your time today and good luck with your upcoming camps.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credits: Franco family/Cathedral; No. 28 Alex Franco.