By Justin Sokeland
WBIW.com
BEDFORD – Gavin Pedersen thought his football career was over after the second week of his senior season. Now he will get a second chance on the next level.
Pedersen, who suffered a season-ending knee injury that required surgery on Oct. 7, signed with Franklin College on Friday. He will join a program in transition to a new coach, with Mike Leonard beginning his second stint with the Grizzlies after a successful run from 2003-19.
When Pedersen suffered his injury, he has already caught seven passes for 116 yards and a touchdown. That small sample size, and limited game highlights, was still enough to impress the Franklin staff. Now he will have a chance to chase a dream.
“It has been a goal since the seventh grade,” Pedersen said. “I wanted to keep playing and prove people wrong. And It’s a cool place, close to home, and it’s providing a good opportunity for me.”
The tough part was sitting on the sideline, powerless to help, while the Stars suffered through a 2-9 campaign. He’s on track for a full recovery in two more months.
”It was really emotional,” Pedersen said. “I was really down for a few months. Then I realized I had the opportunity to play again. I would love to make up for the lost time.”
Pedersen, an Academic All-State selection who plans to major in software engineering, will join former BNL teammate Brayden Baker on the Franklin roster. The Grizzlies went 3-7 last season.
Leonard posted an impressive 129-55 record during his first 17 seasons with Franklin, setting the school’s career record for winning percentage. Franklin won nine HCAC titles during his tenure, and he was enshrined in the Indiana Football Hall of Fame in 2021.
