Franklin Stadther honored for freshman seasons

FAYETTEVILLE – Jerry Franklin and Zach Stadther of the Arkansas football team were honored this week for their contributions to the 2008 season. Franklin earned All-Freshman honors from the Sporting News while both Franklin and Stadther were each named to Phil Steele’s Second-Team All-Freshman Team defense.

Franklin’s honors continue to mount as the linebacker earned his fourth and fifth accolades of the fall. The Sporting News released one All-Freshman squad naming Franklin as one of three linebackers. Phil Steele released three All-Freshman squads and placed Franklin on its second team with two other linebackers.

This fall, Franklin led the Razorback defense in solo, assisted and total tackles as well as interceptions and fumble recoveries while calling the plays for the Arkansas defense. Proving his worth throughout the season, Franklin moved from inside to outside linebacker during the Mississippi State contest and never missed a beat as he filled in for what was a thin position due to injury.

Stadther is also beginning to garner interest in his play as he takes his first national award with the Phil Steele Second-Team designation. Stadther, a true freshman from North Little Rock, Ark., was named to two All-SEC squads including the SEC Coaches and College Football News.

A backup at the beginning of the season, Stadther was inserted into the Razorback lineup after an injury and never relinquished his position in the middle of the defensive line. He finished the season with 57 tackles, tied for fourth on the team, four tackles for loss and eight quarterback hurries which was second on the Razorback roster.

For more information regarding Razorback football or University of Arkansas athletics please visit ArkansasRazorbacks.com.