Franklin Makes It Official

Penn State picked up another commitment, this coming Tuesday morning from Haymarket, Va., native Brailyn Franklin.

Since picking up an offer from the staff back in June, he’s made it no secret that the Nittany Lions were high on his list. However, unlike many recruits, who list tradition and facilities as key factors, Franklin made it clear that Penn State’s academic structure was the main thing that sold he and his family.

“Penn State’s academics are incredible. They’re very high on academics there,” said Franklin. “I want to go to a school that can lead me down a path that will make me successful as a person, not just as a football player.

“I’ve always wanted to major in sports psychology, which they offer there. My family wants what’s best for me, too. Out of the five schools I was looking at, my family thought that this was the best fit for me long-term. I felt that way, too.”

While academics were key, Franklin’s relationship with both head coach James Franklin and defensive coordinator Brent Pry also played an important role.

“I built my strongest relationship with Coach Pry and Coach Franklin,” he said. “We’ve been talking and messaging online for months now, but ever since they offered, we’ve been talking on the phone probably twice or three times a week. They were in communication with me more than any other school. They were always trying to strengthen our relationship.

“One thing Coach Franklin was always stress to me is that he wants me to graduate in three years, not four. With me being on scholarship and taking classes in the summer, I have the opportunity to leave Penn State with a master’s degree or at least have a bunch of credits towards a master’s degree. I want to take advantage of my scholarship as much as possible and I feel like the coaching staff wants me to do the same.”

At 6-foot-2, 200 pounds, Franklin could potentially play a few positions at the Division I level, but he’s expected to play outside linebacker for the Nittany Lions. A three-star prospect, Franklin earned 10 verbal scholarship offers. He ultimately narrowed his list to Penn State, Maryland, Syracuse, Temple and Virginia Tech.

Franklin became the 13th overall prospect to join Penn State’s Class of 2017 and the fifth prospect to commit to the Nittany Lions in the past two weeks. Four-star Brelin Faison-Walden, Greensboro, N.C., and three-star Dylan Rivers, Stephens City, Va., are also expected to play linebacker.

Blue White Illustrated will have much more on Franklin’s commitment in the coming days.