2016. While unfair to expect incoming freshmen Blake Gillikin (pictured) and kicker Alex Barbir to be saviors, they will undoubtedly be the most talented players at their respective positions. Finally out from under NCAA scholarship limitations, Franklin was able to award scholarships to specialists for the first time. Kickers Joey Julius and Tyler Davis and punters Chris Gulla and Daniel Pasquariello are officially on watch. If they can’t make a jump this summer, Barbir and Gillikin can take their jobs and run with them.
2013. Rock bottom has never felt so good, largely because of Bill O’Brien’s masterful job with Matt McGloin (pictured) in 2012 and the durability of Christian Hackenberg the past three seasons.