2021 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Terez Franklin, CB, Shippensburg University

• Name: Terez Franklin
• Height: 5’11”
• Weight: 175 lbs
• Position: CB
• College: Shippensburg University
• Twitter: @TwF_MVP2

Tell us about your university/college. Did you participate in any other activities or campus organizations other than football?

Shippensburg University is a school that provides a lot of opportunities for those who plan to become successful in their field of work one day. I didn’t participate in any other organizations. Ship taught me the importance of professionalism in every aspect of life, and I grew in the aspect alone as well.

How did you end up at Shippensburg ?

I was recruited by Coach Mac coming from Cheyney University where I played before attending Shippensburg due to the cancellation of our program.

What do your teammates say is your best quality?

My teammates say my best quality is the ability to express my play through my heart. I’m not too much of a talker but I’ll give it my all on every play.

What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?

The role I see myself in is being a fast/versatile player, being able to make plays others can’t or wouldn’t. The defensive back is the position I play, being able to play in different places of the secondary.

Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?

The best player I’ve played against in my college career would be Tim Wilson from East Stroudsburg University.

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?

Winston Eubanks is the teammate that impresses me the most even though my goal is to make him as uncomfortable as I can during practice.

Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.

When I graduated high school I had a plan to attend a college that would give me the opportunity to play while including an education I would enjoy. The school I had previously applied for didn’t accept me, disregarding all the scouts wanting me. By the end of the summer, no one accepted any late applications, resulting in staying home for that whole semester. I was in a bad state of mind because I felt like I failed my family. Then the Cheyney University football coach called me around Thanksgiving time; a team I had never thought of playing for due to their negative persona. I told myself that all I want to do is make my family and myself proud no matter what school I went to at the time. Going to that spring semester, I still was not able to play due to the year of residency rule. I still worked my butt off until I got my chance to finally play college ball. After that year was completed and my grades were in order, I began to participate for the team, later earning a starting spot as a cornerback for them.

What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?

What I’m most proud of is being able to attend college and eventually being the first to graduate in my family. My biggest achievement is being the role model I always imagined to be for my younger siblings. It’s always good to have a role model that your siblings can follow in the footsteps of, and I’m proud to be able to do just that.

Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.

The most memorable plays of my career would be coming up with two interceptions in one game during my career at Cheyney against Lock Haven University. I wanted to keep giving my offense a chance to score, let alone help us win the game. Another memorable play would be catching my first interception during the first game at Shippensburg University. I wanted to show I belonged on the field, and that interception is what sealed the game for us. 

If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?

I would play basketball if i didn’t play football because that was considerably always my second sport following baseball.

What was your major/minor? Other than football, what would be your dream job?

My major is business management. Besides football, my dream job would be to start a business to help better protect not just athletes, but those who are fragile, preventing injuries during an early stage of a person’s life.

What have you been working on in the off-season?

I have been working on my mental issues to help my play become better than what it is. Sometimes the plays I’d make are good plays but could’ve been great in a sense ,and I believe I needed to focus on that as well as becoming stronger and faster.

Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?

My favorite athlete of all time is Deion Sanders. He presented himself as being so versatile, as long as he got the ball, and I admire that. My favorite professional team is the Atlanta Falcons and always will be.

What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Do you have any secret talents?

In my spare time, I play video games or spend time with family when football or working out isn’t involved. My talent would be that I can excel at any sport you can think of.

Check out NFL Draft Diamonds 2021 Small School Rankings

Why do you play football?

I play the sport of football because it has always given me the valuable lessons everyone should experience in their life. I’ve played since I was 9, and I’ve learned something new year after year that taught me a life lesson that I can express amongst the issue I’m experiencing with my family, friends, and peers.

Who or what motivates you the most?

My story motivates me the most, growing up as a boy who was always looked over and kept pushing through those obstacles. I was always the one who needed to show. I needed to be accepted through hard work and respect. That goes as far as football, my family, and the people I’ve come across over the years.