After an unofficial visit to Alabama over the weekend, Steven Franklin is now ready to make his first official trips, and hopes the Crimson Tide are among the list of schools.
“It was a great time and I want to return for an official visit after the season,” said the Glasgow (Glasgow, KY) senior. “I was able to see the atmosphere and tradition. I can see the pride the fans and alum have for the school and the program.”
The experience on Saturday for Franklin included an up close look at the facilities, attending Alabama’s 31-3 win over Chattanooga, and time spent with first-year defensive line coach Karl Dunbar.
“I saw the Heisman Trophies, the locker room and the practice field,” he said. “It was top notch, especially the practice field. I talked with coach Dunbar on the sidelines before the game and we talked after too. He’s a great man. It’s a great effort put in from [head] coach [Nick] Saban and his coaching staff. They’re the No. 1 team in the country for a reason.”
Although Franklin has spent time on the defensive line his whole life, the 2017 prospect says the Crimson Tide coaching staff believe inside linebacker would be the best fit at the next level, as it relates to their scheme.
“Right now I want to increase my weight and maintain my speed,” he said. “My playing weight is at 235 pounds right now.”
In September of 2015, Franklin made unofficial visits to in-state programs Louisville and Kentucky in consecutive weekends, and believes he might make another when the Cardinals and Wildcats meet this upcoming Saturday.
He’s also taken unofficial trips to Tennessee and Western Kentucky, and plans to announce his commitment on either Jan. 9, or five days later at halftime of the Blue-Grey All-American Bowl, which airs on ESPN3.
Regular season highlights ‼️😈https://t.co/XfInu5svOH
— Steven Franklin (@sackfrank) October 29, 2016
