A year ago, Orlando Franklin was like a 6-7, 312-pound sponge.
Everything four-year starter and current Detroit Lions tackle Jason Fox taught him in practice about playing left tackle, Franklin said he stored away.
On Monday, that extra tutoring paid off when Franklin was named the Atlantic Coast Conference’s Offensive Linemen of the Week after compiling eight pancake blocks and two lumberjacks (cut blocks) in a 31-3 win over Pittsburgh last Thursday. The start was only his fifth at left tackle since moving from left guard, and it was further evidence he is growing more comfortable with covering the quarterback’s blind side.
According to UM, Franklin has graded out at 95, 96, and 96 percent with 12 pancake blocks. He has yet to give up a sack in three games.
“I’m pretty comfortable, but there are still a few things that get me,” said Franklin, who added that pad level is an area in which he wants to improve. “I give Fox a call after every game, ask him if there is anything I could be doing differently. . . . there’s always room for improvement.”
UM’s offensive line has a tough task in front of it Saturday at Clemson. The Tigers are tied for 10th nationally in sacks (UM is second) with an average of 3.33 per game. Franklin figures to have his hands full with Andre Branch, a 6-5, 260-pound junior who has three sacks.
Read more: [URL]http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/09/30/1849628/orlando-franklin-handling-new.html#ixzz111wIdjyF
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